Signal Transduction Pathway

Definition

A signal transduction pathway is a series of molecular events through which cells respond to external signals. These pathways convert these signals into cellular responses.

Related terms

Receptor Protein:

Proteins located either on the surface or inside cells that receive signals or stimuli.

Second Messenger System: Part of some signal transduction pathways; these are molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface.

Effector Protein: Proteins that perform specific tasks following activation by receptor proteins in signal transduction pathways.