Cells typically communicate using chemical signals. These chemical signals, which are proteins or other molecules produced by a sending cell, are often secreted from the cell and released into the extracellular space. There, they can float – like messages in a bottle – over to neighboring cells. There are three different types of basic cell communication: surface membrane to surface membrane; exterior, which is between receptors on the cell; and direct communication, which means signals pass inside the cell itself. Cell-to-Cell signaling (sel-too-sel SIG-nuh-ling) The transfer of information from onecell to another. Cells signal each other by direct contact with each other or by the release of a substance from one cell that is taken up by another cell.