SECOND MESSENGER Meaning and
Definition
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A second messenger refers to a molecule that plays an essential role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the interior of the cell. It functions as an intermediate molecule, relaying information from the cell surface receptors to the intracellular target proteins, thereby facilitating the amplification and diversification of cellular responses to different external cues.
The process of signal transduction begins when a primary messenger, typically a hormone, neurotransmitter, or growth factor, binds to a specific receptor on the cell surface. This binding event triggers a cascade of intracellular events, resulting in the activation or inhibition of various cellular processes. Second messengers play a crucial role in this cascade by transmitting and amplifying the initial signal to different molecular targets within the cell.
Common examples of second messengers include cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), inositol trisphosphate (IP3), and diacylglycerol (DAG). These molecules are synthesized in response to receptor activation and proceed to modify the activity of specific enzymes or ion channels, eventually leading to changes in gene expression, metabolism, or cellular function.
Overall, second messengers act as crucial intermediaries in the communication between the extracellular environment and cellular processes, playing a critical role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes such as hormone regulation, neurotransmission, cell growth, and immune responses.
Common Misspellings for SECOND MESSENGER
- aecond messenger
- zecond messenger
- xecond messenger
- decond messenger
- eecond messenger
- wecond messenger
- swcond messenger
- sscond messenger
- sdcond messenger
- srcond messenger
- s4cond messenger
- s3cond messenger
- sexond messenger
- sevond messenger
- sefond messenger
- sedond messenger
- secind messenger
- secknd messenger
- seclnd messenger
- secpnd messenger
Etymology of SECOND MESSENGER
The term "Second Messenger" has its etymology rooted in the field of biochemistry and cellular signaling. It was coined based on the concept of "second messengers" that transmit chemical signals within cells after the initial signal (first messenger) is received by a receptor on the cell's surface.
The word "second" in this context refers to the additional step or intermediary role of these molecules in transmitting the signal. These second messengers relay or amplify the signal from the receptor to intracellular targets, influencing various cellular functions and processes.
The term "messenger" is used metaphorically to describe the function of these molecules, as they act as "messengers" carrying the signal from the cell surface to the inside of the cell. They effectively relay the information received from the first messenger to activate or modulate intracellular pathways, leading to the appropriate response.
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