What is the Difference Between Intracellular and Intercellular Signaling?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between intracellular and intercellular signaling lies in the scope of their communication:
- Intracellular signaling occurs within a single cell and is responsible for controlling various functions that take place inside the cell, such as cell morphology, intermediary metabolism, cell division activity, and the transcription program. This form of communication uses secondary messengers like cyclic AMP, calcium ions, inositol triphosphate, and diacylglycerol.
- Intercellular signaling refers to the communication that takes place between cells in the extracellular matrix. This type of signaling is critical for the differentiation and development of an organism. In animals, intercellular signaling between neighboring cells occurs via gap junctions, while in plants, it occurs via plasmodesmata.
In summary, intracellular signaling involves communication within a cell, controlling its various functions, while intercellular signaling involves communication between cells, playing a crucial role in the differentiation and development of organisms.
Comparative Table: Intracellular vs Intercellular Signaling
The difference between intracellular and intercellular signaling can be summarized in the following table:
| Feature | Intracellular Signaling | Intercellular Signaling |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Communication within the cell | Communication between cells |
| Location | Within the cytoplasm of a cell | In the extracellular matrix between cells |
| Function | Controls functions happening in the cell, including intermediate metabolism, cell division activity, morphology, and the transcription program | Critical for the differentiation and development of an organism |
| Examples | Uses secondary messengers such as cyclic AMP, calcium ion, inositol triphosphate, and diacylglycerol | Involves signaling molecules called ligands released into the extracellular matrix |
| Cell Types | Occurs within individual cells | Occurs between cells, such as nerve cells in animals and plant cells via plasmodesmata |
In summary, intracellular signaling involves the communication within a cell, controlling various cellular functions, and uses secondary messengers to transmit signals. In contrast, intercellular signaling takes place between cells, is critical for differentiation and development, and involves the release of ligands into the extracellular matrix to transmit signals to target cells.
- Intracellular vs Interstitial Fluid
- Intracellular vs Extracellular Enzymes
- Intracellular vs Extracellular Fluids
- Cytokines vs Interferons
- Cytokines vs Interleukins
- Endocrine vs Paracrine
- Inter vs Intra
- Paracrine vs Juxtacrine
- Autocrine vs Paracrine
- Paracellular vs Transcellular Diffusion
- Cytokines vs Hormones
- Cytokines vs Chemokines
- Internal Receptors vs Cell Surface Receptors
- Plasma vs Interstitial Fluid
- Cadherin vs Integrin
- Interleukin 1 vs 2
- Excitatory vs Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
- Inositol vs Myo Inositol
- Endocytosis vs Transcytosis