What term refers to the process by which cells can respond to environmental changes?

The term that refers to the process by which cells can respond to environmental changes is cell signaling. This process involves various molecular interactions that allow cells to detect and respond to external signals, such as hormones, nutrients, or other environmental factors.

Cell signaling encompasses a variety of mechanisms, including the reception of signals through specific receptors on the cell surface, transduction of that signal through intracellular pathways, and ultimately leading to a cellular response, which may involve changes in gene expression, metabolism, or cell behavior. This connectivity is critical for maintaining homeostasis, coordinating developmental processes, and enabling cells to adapt to their surroundings.

The other terms provided do not capture the specific process of how cells interpret and respond to environmental cues as effectively as cell signaling does. For instance, responses are the outcomes of signaling and do not illustrate the signaling pathway itself. Stimuli are the external factors that provoke responses but do not encompass the cellular communication process. Cell communication is a broader term that may include signaling but does not specifically emphasize the signaling mechanism that leads to cellular responses.