Several key mechanisms underlie cellular responses, including:
Signal transduction pathways: These pathways involve a series of molecular events, often starting with the binding of a ligand to a receptor, leading to a cellular response. Transcriptional regulation: Changes in gene expression can alter the production of proteins needed for specific cellular functions. Post-translational modifications: Modifications like phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and methylation can change protein activity and stability. Proteasomal degradation: The targeted breakdown of proteins by the proteasome, which helps regulate protein levels and remove damaged proteins.