Question

How are the effects of paracrine signaling limited to an area near the signaling cells?

a) Rapid degradation of signaling molecules
b) Specific receptor binding
c) Enzymatic inactivation of signaling molecules
d) Physical barrier formation

Answer 1

Paracrine signaling is kept localized through rapid degradation and removal by neighboring cells, ensuring signals affect only nearby cells and elicit quick, short-lasting responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effects of paracrine signaling are limited to an area near the signaling cells primarily through rapid degradation of signaling molecules. Additionally, the molecules can be removed by neighboring cells, which helps reestablish the concentration gradient for the signal. This ensures that paracrine signals, which move by diffusion through the extracellular matrix, elicit localized, quick responses that last only for a short period of time.