Enzyme-linked receptors

Definition

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors that initiate a cellular response through the activation of an associated enzyme. These receptors play critical roles in various signaling pathways, including those involving growth factors and hormones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enzyme-linked receptors often have intrinsic kinase activity or are associated with enzymes like tyrosine kinases.
2. The receptor-ligand binding typically results in dimerization, which activates the enzymatic component.
3. The most well-known type of enzyme-linked receptor is the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK).
4. These receptors are crucial for regulating cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism.
5. Mutations or malfunctions in enzyme-linked receptors can lead to diseases such as cancer.

Review Questions

• What role does dimerization play in the activation of enzyme-linked receptors?
• How do receptor tyrosine kinases transmit signals inside the cell?
• Why are enzyme-linked receptors important for cellular functions like growth and metabolism?

Related terms

G-protein Coupled Receptors: Cell-surface receptors that activate G-proteins to trigger intracellular signaling pathways.

Ligand: A molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Second Messengers: Intracellular signaling molecules released by cells in response to exposure to extracellular signaling molecules.