Question

Explain how the signaling molecules released by an embryonic cell can induce changes in a neighboring cell without entering the cell. (See Figures 11.15 and 11.16.)

Short answer

Signaling molecules can induce changes in neighboring cells by binding with the receptors on these cells. It can trigger a signal transduction pathway that involves many molecules in the cells like secondary messengers and transcription factors. Finally, it affects the gene expression of the signal-receiving cells.

Step-by-step solution

Signaling molecules

Signaling molecules that are released by cells are very small and soluble molecules that are called ligands. These can trigger a signal transduction pathway in the neighboring cells by binding the receptors present on their membranes. A specific signal binds with a specific receptor.

Step 2: Signal transduction pathway

Cells can receive and process the signals released by other cells or the outer environment. For this purpose, they have receptors that are generally found as transmembrane proteins and transmit the message through a sequence of molecules to the internal signaling pathway.

Step 3: Signal transduction pathway in embryonic cells

Signals released by embryonic cells can initiate a signal transduction pathway that regulates the activity of genes in the nucleus of neighboring cells.

The signals make a phosphorylation cascade in the molecule switches and transcription factors that affect the gene expression of neighboring cells, thereby altering their activity.