Question

Increased transcription of TGFalpha in response to TGFalpha signaling, thus potentiating the effect in the very same cell, is called a:

A. Paracrine feedback loop
B. Autocrine feedback loop
C. Endocrine feedback loop
D. Synaptic feedback loop

Answer 1

Increased transcription of TGFalpha in response to its own signaling within the same cell is an example of an Autocrine feedback loop, which is a type of signaling where a cell responds to its own secreted molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increased transcription of TGFalpha in response to TGFalpha signaling, which potentiates the effect in the very same cell, is called an Autocrine feedback loop. The term 'autocrine' refers to a cell responding to signaling molecules that it has released itself, thereby promoting a response in the same cell.

This is different from paracrine signaling that affects nearby cells, endocrine signaling that relies on the circulatory system to transport signals long distances, and synaptic signaling that occurs at the synapse between nerve cells. Autocrine signaling can regulate processes such as pain sensation, inflammation, and even programmed cell death in virus-infected cells.