Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 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.
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.
Review Questions
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.