PARACRINE SIGNALING Meaning and
Definition
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Paracrine signaling is a form of cell communication in multicellular organisms where signaling molecules are released into the extracellular fluid to affect nearby cells. These signaling molecules, known as paracrine factors, act locally and are typically rapidly degraded or removed from the system after exerting their effects.
In paracrine signaling, the signaling cell synthesizes and releases the signal molecule into the extracellular space. This signal then diffuses through the interstitial fluid, reaching neighboring cells in the vicinity of the originating cell. The target cells possess specific receptors that can selectively recognize and bind to the signaling molecule, initiating a cellular response.
This type of communication allows cells to coordinate and regulate various physiological processes within tissues and organs. It plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue repair, and immunity, among other biological functions.
Paracrine signaling differs from other forms of cell communication, such as endocrine signaling (hormonal signaling) and synaptic signaling, which target distant cells through the bloodstream or specialized synaptic connections, respectively.
Overall, paracrine signaling is an essential mechanism that enables cells to communicate locally and coordinate their activities, influencing the behavior and functions of neighboring cells and contributing to the overall homeostasis and functioning of multicellular organisms.
Common Misspellings for PARACRINE SIGNALING
- oaracrine signaling
- laracrine signaling
- -aracrine signaling
- 0aracrine signaling
- pzracrine signaling
- psracrine signaling
- pwracrine signaling
- pqracrine signaling
- paeacrine signaling
- padacrine signaling
- pafacrine signaling
- patacrine signaling
- pa5acrine signaling
- pa4acrine signaling
- parzcrine signaling
- parscrine signaling
- parwcrine signaling
- parqcrine signaling
- paraxrine signaling
- paravrine signaling
Etymology of PARACRINE SIGNALING
The term "paracrine" is derived from the Greek words "para", meaning "beside" or "near", and "krinein", meaning "to separate" or "to secrete". The suffix "-crine" is related to the root word "krinein" and refers to the process of secretion.
Therefore, "paracrine signaling" refers to a type of cell-cell communication in which cells secrete signaling molecules into the extracellular space to influence nearby target cells. It is a method of localized communication in multicellular organisms, where the signaling molecules act on neighboring cells to transmit signals and regulate physiological processes.
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