Gaseous signaling molecules

Gaseous Signaling Molecules

Gaseous signaling molecules are a type of biochemical messenger that participate in cell signaling. They are small, lipophilic, and capable of freely diffusing across cell membranes.

Pronunciation

Gaseous signaling molecules: /ˈɡæs.i.əs ˈsɪɡ.nəl.ɪŋ ˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/

Etymology

The term "gaseous signaling molecules" is derived from the words "gaseous" (from the Latin gaseus meaning "of or relating to gas"), "signaling" (from the Old Norse segna meaning "to say, tell"), and "molecules" (from the Latin molecula meaning "a small mass or body").

Function

Gaseous signaling molecules are involved in a variety of physiological processes. They can act as intracellular messengers, extracellular messengers, or both. The most well-known gaseous signaling molecules are nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in many physiological and pathological processes. It is involved in vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune response.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous signaling molecule that is produced endogenously as a byproduct of heme metabolism. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative effects.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule that is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure and the modulation of inflammatory responses.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Gaseous signaling molecules
Wikipedia's article - Gaseous signaling molecules

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Gaseous signaling molecules