intercellular communication

[ˌɪntərˈsɛljələr kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən]
noun
comunicação intercelular
1. The exchange of information and signals between adjacent or distant cells through various molecular mechanisms, including chemical signaling, electrical signals, and direct cell-to-cell contact
Intercellular communication is essential for coordinating cellular activities in multicellular organisms.
A comunicação intercelular é essencial para coordenar as atividades celulares em organismos multicelulares.
2. Biochemical processes by which cells transmit and receive signals that regulate growth, differentiation, and metabolic functions
Gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication by allowing small molecules to pass between cells.
As junções comunicantes facilitam a comunicação intercelular permitindo que pequenas moléculas passem entre as células.
3. The system of chemical messengers such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines that enable cells to coordinate responses
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in intercellular communication within the nervous system.
Os neurotransmissores desempenham um papel crucial na comunicação intercelular dentro do sistema nervoso.
This term is primarily used in scientific and medical contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It is fundamental to cell biology, neuroscience, and immunology curricula in universities. In Brazil, the term 'comunicação intercelular' is standardized in medical and biological sciences education, appearing frequently in textbooks and research publications from institutions like USP and UFRJ. In the USA, the concept is central to advanced biology courses and biomedical research, reflecting the importance of cellular signaling in understanding diseases and developing therapeutics.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cell signalingcellular communicationcell-to-cell communicationsignal transduction
Antonyms / Antônimos
cellular isolationcommunication breakdown

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
comunicação intercelular
Standard term used in academic and scientific contexts
São Paulo
comunicação intercelular
Preferred in biomedical research institutions
Rio de Janeiro
comunicação entre células
More colloquial alternative sometimes used in educational contexts
Portugal
comunicação intercelular
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; standard scientific terminology

Related Words

gap junctionreceptorneurotransmitterhormonesignal transduction pathwaycytokineparacrine signalingendocrine signalingsynaptic transmissioncell membrane

Related Idioms & Phrases

breaking down communication barriers
sending signals
getting the message across
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