4.3 Signal Transduction Pathways

Describe the different types of cellular responses elicited by a signal transduction pathway.

• Signal transduction may result in changes in gene expressions and cell function, which may alter phenotype or result in programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Explain how a change in the structure of any signaling molecule affects the activity of the signaling pathway.

• Changes in signal transduction pathways can alter cellular responses. Mutations in any domain of the receptor protein or in any component of the signaling pathway may affect the downstream components by altering the subsequent transduction of the signal.
• Chemicals that interact with any component of the signaling pathway may activate or inhibit the pathway.