Question

Rank the following types of cell signaling from 1 to 4, with 1 representing the type of signaling in which the signal molecule travels the least distance and 4 the type of signaling in which the signal molecule travels the largest distance.

a)paracrine signaling
b)contact-dependent signaling
c)neuronal signaling
d)endocrine signaling

Answer 1

The types of cell signaling, ranked from the signal molecule traveling the least distance to the greatest, are: 1) contact-dependent signaling, 2) paracrine signaling, 3) neuronal signaling, and 4) endocrine signaling.

Step-by-step explanation:

When ranking the types of cell signaling based on the distance the signal molecule travels, we consider the following order:

1. Contact-dependent signaling: Signal does not travel as it occurs between cells that are in direct contact.
2. Paracrine signaling: Signal travels short distances to nearby cells.
3. Neuronal signaling: Signal travels along nerve cells and can cover greater distances within an organism.
4. Endocrine signaling: Signal travels the longest distance as hormones are transported through the bloodstream to distant cells.

Therefore, the ranking from least to greatest distance traveled by the signal molecule is:

1. Contact-dependent signaling (1)
2. Paracrine signaling (2)
3. Neuronal signaling (3)
4. Endocrine signaling (4)