ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

CAIE A-Level Biology 4.1.4 Cell Signalling Process

Practise tracing ligand release and transport to a target cell, explaining receptor specificity and linking complementary binding at the membrane to intracellular responses.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Biology 9700
Level
AS

Exam points

  • trace ligand release and transport from a signalling cell to the relevant target cell
  • explain target specificity through complementary binding to a particular receptor
  • connect receptor binding with signal transduction and a response inside the target cell

4.1.4—Cell signalling process question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Prostaglandins are small lipids produced in many tissues of the body. One role of prostaglandins is to cause inflammation at the site of an injury or infection. Inflammation is the normal first response of the immune system to injury or infection.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that catalyses one of the steps in the reaction pathway for the formation of prostaglandins from phospholipids. The reaction pathway occurs in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) of cells. Part of the reaction pathway is shown in Fig. 1.3.

Fig. 1.3

Fig. 1.3

Prostaglandins are examples of cell-signalling molecules.

Outline the process of cell signalling that leads to a response by the cells involved in inflammation.

All question bank results loaded