cellular response to external biotic stimulus

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an external biotic stimulus, an external stimulus caused by, or produced by living things. [GOC:mah]

Cellular response to external biotic stimulus is a fundamental process by which organisms detect and respond to the presence of external biotic agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other living organisms. This response is crucial for survival and involves a complex interplay of cellular mechanisms, including signal transduction, gene expression, and protein synthesis. The process begins with the recognition of the biotic stimulus by specialized receptors on the cell surface. These receptors can be transmembrane proteins, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mammals, or cell surface molecules, such as peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) in insects. Upon binding to the stimulus, the receptor initiates a signal transduction cascade that transmits the information into the cell. This cascade involves a series of intracellular signaling molecules, such as kinases, phosphatases, and adaptor proteins. The signal transduction cascade ultimately leads to the activation of transcription factors, which regulate the expression of genes involved in the cellular response. The cellular response to external biotic stimulus can manifest in various ways, including: 1. **Immune response:** This involves the activation of immune cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, to eliminate the biotic threat. The immune cells recognize and engulf the invading organisms, release antimicrobial substances, and activate adaptive immune responses. 2. **Inflammation:** This is a localized response characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Inflammation is triggered by the release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, which attract immune cells to the site of infection and promote tissue repair. 3. **Antimicrobial defense:** Cells can produce and release antimicrobial substances, such as defensins, lysozyme, and reactive oxygen species, that directly kill or inhibit the growth of invading microorganisms. 4. **Apoptosis:** This is a programmed cell death mechanism that eliminates infected cells and prevents the spread of the infection. 5. **Cellular repair:** Cells can activate repair mechanisms to restore damaged tissues and structures. The cellular response to external biotic stimulus is highly specific and involves a complex network of interactions between different cellular components. The exact response depends on the nature of the biotic stimulus, the type of cell, and the overall physiological state of the organism. This complex interplay ensures that the organism can effectively detect and respond to a wide range of external biotic threats and maintain its survival.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (10)