Hormone receptor

Definition

A hormone receptor is a protein molecule located on the surface of or inside a cell that binds to a specific hormone, initiating the cell's response to that hormone. This interaction plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Related terms

Endocrine System:

A network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

Ligand: A molecule that binds specifically to another molecule, often larger; in this context, a hormone acts as a ligand for its receptor.

Signal Transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly involving changes in the activity or levels of other substances within the cell