How Do Cells Communicate During Tissue Development?
Cells communicate through signaling pathways that involve growth factors, hormones, and other signaling molecules. These signals are crucial for coordinating the activities of different cell types. Key mechanisms include:
Autocrine signaling: Cells respond to signals they produce themselves. Paracrine signaling: Signals are released to affect nearby cells. Endocrine signaling: Hormones are released into the bloodstream to affect distant cells. Juxtacrine signaling: Direct cell-to-cell contact through membrane-bound molecules.
