$5$ Points

Signal transduction is the process by which cells convert Blank $1$ into intracellular responses or actions. It involves a series of molecular events that typically begins with the binding of a signal molecule to a Blank $2$ on the cell surface or inside the cell. This binding triggers a cascade of events, often activating Blank $3$ inside the cell, initiating an intracellular response. Many of these intracellular proteins can act as Blank $4$ that quickly regulate the protein's activity by changing whether it is in an active or inactive state. These messengers propagate the signal within the cell, leading to changes in Blank $5,$ enzyme activity, or other cellular responses. Signal transduction pathways are crucial for coordinating cellular processes such as growth, metabolism, and respons to environmental stimuli.

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extracellular signals

phosphorylation

receptor

secondary messengers

kinase

gene expression

molecular relay race

molecular switches