Molecular Biology of the Cell
Signal transduction cascades achieve 1:10:100 amplification ratios
The standard reference for signal transduction cascades, this textbook documents how single molecule binding events trigger amplification cascades with ratios of 1:10:100, allowing cells to detect signals at nanomolar concentrations. The molecular machinery of receptor conformational changes, G-protein coupled receptors, and second messenger systems provides the biological foundation for understanding organizational information processing.
The key insight for business: weak signals can be amplified into decisive action through proper cascade design. But amplification requires careful pathway architecture - blockers anywhere in the chain (like Kodak's incentive and infrastructure blockers) prevent transduction.
Key Findings from Alberts et al. (2014)
- Signal transduction cascades achieve 1:10:100 amplification ratios
- Receptor conformational changes translate external signals to internal action
- Cells detect signals at nanomolar concentrations through amplification
- G-protein coupled receptors and second messenger systems enable rapid response
- Cell cycle takes approximately 24 hours in typical human somatic cells
- Contact inhibition is mediated by surface receptors detecting neighboring cells
- Multiple checkpoint mechanisms regulate cell division
- Cancer represents failure of growth regulation mechanisms
Used in 2 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
Standard reference documenting signal transduction cascades with 1:10:100 amplification ratios, allowing detection at nanomolar concentrations.
See signal amplification →Standard reference documenting cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2, M), checkpoint mechanisms, and growth factor signaling.
See cell cycle control →