What function do signal transduction pathways serve?

Signal transduction pathways are critical for cells to communicate with their external environment, allowing them to respond appropriately to various signals such as hormones, nutrients, and stressors. The primary function of these pathways is to transmit signals from outside the cell to the inside, where they can trigger a series of intracellular responses. This process generally involves receptors that detect the external signal and initiate a cascade of molecular events, involving various proteins and second messengers, to effect changes in cellular behavior.

This transmission of signals is vital for numerous cellular activities, including growth, differentiation, immune responses, and metabolic regulation. By facilitating communication between external stimuli and internal cellular processes, signal transduction pathways enable cells to adapt to changes in their environment, ensuring proper functioning and homeostasis.