Final answer:
The signaling molecule in contact-dependent cell signaling is a transmembrane protein that requires direct physical contact between cells for communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signaling molecule involved in contact-dependent cell signaling is a transmembrane protein.
Contact-dependent signaling requires cells to be in close proximity to one another. In this type of signaling, membrane-bound proteins on the surface of one cell interact directly with receptor proteins on the surface of another cell. These interactions are crucial for a range of biological processes, including immune responses, development, and the formation of neural networks.
Unlike signaling that involves secreted molecules like growth factors, neurotransmitters, or small soluble peptides, contact-dependent signaling does not depend on substances being released into the extracellular space and instead relies on direct physical contact between cells.