There are multiple ways in which two cells in an organism can communicate with each other: gap junctions, paracrine and autocrine signals, endocrine signals, and neural signals. Discuss the advantages and drawbacks for each of these types of signals

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Gap junctions allow direct communication, which is very fast, and allows hydrophilic signals to pass through the aqueous channel. They can be used only with cells that are adjacent to each other. Paracrine and autocrine signals are rapid, but can be used only over short distances because they rely on diffusion. Neural communication is very rapid over long distances, but the signals will not remain effective for a long period of time. Endocrine signals travel more slowly because they rely on a circulatory system for transport, but they remain active for a longer period of time.