Hi,
Could someone explain me the differences between signalling molecules and signal transduction?
These two ideas are really confusing me..
Thanks
Signalling molecules initiate a cellular response. Examples include hormones and neurotransmitters. Signal transduction, however, is the
process by which the signalling molecules instigate the response-the cascade of enzymes that bring about a cellular response.
So, to give an analogy, signalling molecules are like teachers giving students (or cells) a bunch of practice exams (instructions). If students complete the exams, then signal transduction has occurred and they'll score well (response). If not, then a response will not happen (receptor doesn't bind to signalling molecule) and students will therefore fail.
Okay, so my analogy was terrible ahaha but I hope that it clarifies things a little :')