Screen shots from the package

Introduction
This program is ONE part of a suite which covers many aspects of the signal transduction mechanisms associated with drug targets. The suite is divided into several parts, namely this program and then five further programs:

• G-Protein Coupled Receptors as Drug Targets
• Ligand-Gated Ion Channels as Drug Targets
• Tyrosine Kinase Receptors as Drug Targets
• Enzymes as Drug Targets
• Nuclear Hormone Receptors as Drug Targets

Program Description

Objectives

When a student has finished the program he/she should be able to:
• Explain the necessity for intracellular communication
• Understand how messages are deleted and coordinated
• List the major types of drug targets based on these detection systems

The program starts by introducing the student to the basic structure of a mammalian cell and illustrating the concept that cells carry out a large number of different functions, which need to be carefully controlled and coordinated. The concept of specialization in human cells is introduced and examples of different types of cell are shown. The student can explore the concept of co-ordination of cell function and an animation shows that cells respond to some stimulus messages, but not to others. The sources of these chemical messengers in the body are illustrated, as is the concept of intercellular communication by neurohumoral, paracrine (autocrine) and endocrine transmitters. The program finishes with the various major types of drug targets and where they are located in relation to the typical cell. A summary highlights the main points. Clicking on any of the summary points will take the student direct to the appropriate screen.
The program contains a multiple choice question test for students to assess their understanding.

The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc and can be installed to a local hard disc or network drive.