• To introduce the concept of cell communication

there is a 6 step process of cell-cell signalling

1. synthesis of signal
2. Release of the signalling molecule by the signalling cell: Exocytosis, diffusion, cell-cell contact.
3. Transport of the signal to the target cell (this can occur by different ways)
4. Detection of the signal by a specific receptor protein.
5. change in cellular metabolism, function or development triggered by the receptor-signal complex
6. Removal of the signal or desensitisation

the transportation of cellular signals can be through many different pathways including the following…

‘Long Range’ - e.g. Endocrine, Neurotransmission

‘Short Range’ - e.g. Paracrine, Autocrine, membrane-bound proteins can interact to signal

sometimes multiple types of signalling can be occurring simultaneously

e.g. insulin released from pancreatic beta-cells acts in an autocrine, a paracrine and an endocrine manner.

• To introduce the concept of signal transduction

• To explain the role of phospholipids from the cell membrane in intra- and inter-cell signalling