Receptors are super important for helping cells understand signals from the outside. They are special proteins found on the cell surface or inside it. These proteins connect with signaling molecules known as ligands.
Ligand Binding: When a ligand, like a hormone or neurotransmitter, attaches to a receptor, it makes the receptor change shape.
Signal Transduction: This shape change starts a series of reactions inside the cell. This is called the signal transduction pathway.
Cellular Response: In the end, this entire process leads to a response from the cell. This could be changing how genes work or kicking off different metabolic activities.
For example, when insulin connects to its receptor, it tells the cells to take in glucose (sugar).
Receptors are super important for helping cells understand signals from the outside. They are special proteins found on the cell surface or inside it. These proteins connect with signaling molecules known as ligands.
Ligand Binding: When a ligand, like a hormone or neurotransmitter, attaches to a receptor, it makes the receptor change shape.
Signal Transduction: This shape change starts a series of reactions inside the cell. This is called the signal transduction pathway.
Cellular Response: In the end, this entire process leads to a response from the cell. This could be changing how genes work or kicking off different metabolic activities.
For example, when insulin connects to its receptor, it tells the cells to take in glucose (sugar).