AP Biology Flashcards: Cell Communication
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What determines the recipient of a long-distance signal?
Long-distance signals, such as hormones, are intended for and travel to target cells of another specific cell type.
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What determines the recipient of a long-distance signal?
Long-distance signals, such as hormones, are intended for and travel to target cells of another specific cell type.
How do cells communicate over short distances?
Cells communicate over short distances by releasing local regulators that send a message to target cells in the immediate vicinity.
What is meant by 'chemical signaling' from a distance?
Chemical signaling from a distance is a form of cell communication where signals are released by one cell and travel to target other cells.
Contrast the range of local regulators and hormones.
Local regulators act on cells in the immediate vicinity for short-distance communication, whereas hormones travel long distances to act on target cells.
How do cells communicate over long distances?
Cells communicate over long distances when one cell type releases signals, like hormones, that can travel far to reach and affect target cells of another type.
A nerve cell releases a neurotransmitter that signals an adjacent muscle cell. Is this short- or long-distance communication?
This is short-distance communication because the signal targets a cell in the immediate vicinity, functioning as a local regulator.
What is an example of a signal used for long-distance cell communication?
Hormones are an example of signals used for long-distance communication, as they are released by one cell type and travel to target cells of another type.
The pituitary gland releases a hormone that travels through the blood to the adrenal glands. What kind of signaling is this?
This is long-distance signaling, as a signal (hormone) is released by one cell type and travels a long distance to target cells of another type.
What are the two primary ways cells communicate with one another?
Cells communicate either through direct contact with each other or via chemical signaling from a distance.
What are local regulators?
Local regulators are signals used by cells to communicate over short distances, targeting other cells in the immediate vicinity.