CALCIUM SIGNALING Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium signaling refers to the process by which cells communicate and transmit information using calcium ions as intracellular messengers. It is a vital mechanism in various physiological and pathological processes, serving as a key regulator of cell functions such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, gene expression, proliferation, and apoptosis.
In calcium signaling, changes in the concentration of calcium ions within the cellular environment are sensed and processed by specialized proteins, known as calcium sensors or calcium-binding proteins. These proteins have the ability to detect changes in calcium levels through their binding affinity for calcium ions. When calcium levels rise, these sensors undergo a conformational change, leading to the activation or inhibition of downstream signaling molecules.
The release of calcium ions occurs through various mechanisms, including calcium channels in the plasma membrane and intracellular membranes, as well as the mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores, such as the endoplasmic reticulum. The influx and efflux of calcium ions are tightly regulated by pumps, transporters, and channels, maintaining calcium homeostasis within cells.
Calcium signaling plays a crucial role in coordinating and integrating multiple cellular processes, allowing cells to respond to various extracellular stimuli and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Dysregulation of calcium signaling has been implicated in several diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Thus, understanding the complex mechanisms of calcium signaling is essential for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these diseases.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM SIGNALING
- xalcium signaling
- valcium signaling
- falcium signaling
- dalcium signaling
- czlcium signaling
- cslcium signaling
- cwlcium signaling
- cqlcium signaling
- cakcium signaling
- capcium signaling
- caocium signaling
- calxium signaling
- calvium signaling
- calfium signaling
- caldium signaling
- calcuum signaling
- calcjum signaling
- calckum signaling
- calcoum signaling
- calc9um signaling
Etymology of CALCIUM SIGNALING
The etymology of the word "calcium signaling" can be broken down as follows:
1. Calcium: The word "calcium" is derived from the Latin word "calx" meaning "lime". It was named so because one of its compounds, calcium oxide (quicklime), was historically obtained by heating limestone (calcium carbonate). The symbol for calcium in the periodic table is Ca.
2. Signaling: The word "signaling" is derived from the verb "signal". The verb "signal" originated from the Old French word "signe" meaning "sign" or "mark". It refers to the act of transmitting or conveying information or instructions using signs, gestures, or symbols.
Combining these two components, "calcium signaling" refers to the process where calcium ions (Ca2+) act as signaling molecules within cells to transmit messages or instructions for various cellular activities.
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