The cellular process in which a signal is conveyed to trigger a change in the activity or state of a cell. Signal transduction begins with reception of a signal (e.g. a ligand binding to a receptor or receptor activation by a stimulus such as light), or for signal transduction in the absence of ligand, signal-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. Signal transduction ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. regulation of transcription or regulation of a metabolic process. Signal transduction covers signaling from receptors located on the surface of the cell and signaling via molecules located within the cell. For signaling between cells, signal transduction is restricted to events at and within the receiving cell.

The hydrolysis of proteins into smaller polypeptides and/or amino acids by cleavage of their peptide bonds.

The region between the inner (cytoplasmic or plasma) membrane and outer membrane of organisms with two membranes such as Gram negative bacteria. These periplasmic spaces are relatively thick and contain a thin peptidoglycan layer (PGL), also referred to as a thin cell wall.

The region between the inner (cytoplasmic) and outer membrane (Gram-negative Bacteria) or cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall (Fungi and Gram-positive Bacteria).