Signal transduction
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Definition
The term signal transduction refers to a two-step process by which a signal outside the cell can induce a response inside the cell. The two steps are as follows:
- A signaling molecule (outside the cell) activates a cell surface receptor located on the cell membrane (and hence capable of interacting with the molecule).
- A messenger molecule transmits the signal from the cell membrane into the cell and elicit a physiological response within the cell.
The pathways by which this happens are termed signal transduction pathways.