Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cellular receptors are proteins located on the cell surface or within cells that bind to specific signaling molecules. This binding triggers a response in the cell, facilitating communication and regulation of various physiological processes.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Receptors can be found on the cell membrane or inside the cytoplasm and nucleus.
There are different types of receptors, including G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channel receptors, and intracellular receptors.
Receptor specificity ensures that only certain signaling molecules can bind and trigger a cellular response.
The binding of hormones to their respective receptors initiates a signal transduction pathway that alters cellular activity.
Malfunctions in receptor function can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
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Related terms
Signal Transduction Pathway: A series of molecular events initiated by receptor-ligand binding that leads to a cellular response.
Ligand: A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule.
G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR): A large family of cell surface receptors that activate internal signal transduction pathways through interaction with G-proteins.