Why are Atomic Interactions Significant for Cellular Communication?
Atomic interactions are vital for cellular communication and signaling pathways. For example, the binding of a signaling molecule (ligand) to its receptor on the cell surface often involves a combination of covalent, ionic, hydrogen bonds, and Van der Waals forces. These interactions trigger conformational changes in the receptor, initiating intracellular signaling cascades that regulate various cellular functions, such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.