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In autocrine signaling, a signaling cell releases a ligand and is itself affected by that same ligand. What is one biological role of this type of signaling?
AIt helps direct differentiation of neighboring cells into the correct tissue type during development
BIt transports hormones through the circulatory system to distant organs
CIt carries neurotransmitters across the chemical synapse between two neurons
DIt allows bacteria to coordinate toxin release once a population threshold is reached
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. It helps direct differentiation of neighboring cells into the correct tissue type during development
1. Autocrine signaling occurs when a signaling cell can also bind the ligand it releases.
2. During embryological development, this stimulation of neighboring cells of the same type can help direct their differentiation into the correct tissue type.
3. Transport of hormones through the circulatory system instead describes endocrine signaling.
4. Carrying neurotransmitters across a synapse describes paracrine signaling between nerve cells, not autocrine signaling.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 "Cell Communication", section 9.1 Signaling Molecules and Cellular Receptors_
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