another cell question

If we assume that different cells have the same receptors how is it that cells can respond differently to the same signaling molecule?

Originally posted by wormer
If we assume that different cells have the same receptors how is it that cells can respond differently to the same signaling molecule?

Signaling pathways can be massively complex, sometimes involving more than 100 proteins. Since different cells express different levels of these proteins, once the receptor is activated the pathway proceeds in different directions depending on the cellular context. The size/shape of the cell, expression levels of intracellular signal transduction proteins, expression of proteins that promote/inhibit the pathway, cytoskeletal and organelle organization, and organization of the nucleus/chromatin structure all can impact upon mechanisms of signal transduction.