Bio-Signalling Molecules are the diverse array of chemical messengers, including hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines, utilized by the body to transmit critical information between cells and organ systems. These molecules facilitate systemic communication, ensuring the precise coordination of all physiological functions, from metabolism to mood regulation. They are the essential language of the endocrine and nervous systems, governing health and adaptive responses.
Origin
This composite term stems from ‘bio,’ meaning life, and ‘signalling,’ referring to communication, reflecting the fundamental biological imperative for intercellular exchange. The concept itself has its roots in classical endocrinology, which first identified circulating hormones as key chemical communicators. It is a modern umbrella term for all endogenous molecules that initiate a change in a target cell’s activity.
Mechanism
The mechanism of action involves a ligand-receptor interaction, where the signalling molecule binds specifically to a cognate receptor on or within the target cell. This binding event initiates a cascade of intracellular transduction pathways, ultimately modifying gene expression, enzymatic activity, or membrane permeability, thereby executing the biological instruction.
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