Receptor

Definition

A receptor is a protein molecule on the cell membrane that binds to specific molecules outside the cell, allowing the cell to respond to signals from its environment. These can trigger various cellular responses, including changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, or ion channel permeability.

Related terms

Ligand: A molecule that specifically binds to a receptor, acting as a key that fits into the lock of the 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 of enzymes.

Cell membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins, including receptors, that control the passage of substances in and out of the cell