Biological communication occurs through three primary signaling modalities:
1. Electrical Signaling (Neural Pathways)
Fast, high-precision signals transmitted via neurons.
Responsible for reflexes, sensory processing, motor control, and rapid threat assessment.
2. Chemical Signaling (Biochemical Messengers)
Hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and metabolites regulate long-term adaptation, immune coordination, metabolism, and emotional states.
3. Microbiological Signaling (Microbiota-Host Interaction)
Gut microorganisms produce signaling molecules that influence immunity, inflammation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and metabolic regulation via the gut–brain axis.
These systems function optimally only under balanced conditions, where signal clarity exceeds systemic noise.