Receptor (biochemistry)
Receptor (biochemistry)
Receptor (biochemistry) is a protein molecule that receives and responds to endogenous chemical signals, such as hormones or neurotransmitters. These signals are typically produced within an organism and regulate specific cellular processes.
Pronunciation
The term "receptor" is pronounced as /rɪˈsɛptər/.
Etymology
The term "receptor" originates from the Latin word "recipere", which means "to receive". This is reflective of the receptor's function in biochemistry, which is to receive signals from other parts of the organism.
Types of Receptors
There are several types of receptors in biochemistry, including:
- Ionotropic receptors: These receptors form an ion channel pore, which is activated upon binding by a ligand (such as a neurotransmitter).
- Metabotropic receptors: These receptors act through a second messenger system, such as G protein.
- Intracellular receptors: These receptors, also known as nuclear receptors, are located inside the cell rather than on its cell membrane.
Related Terms
- Ligand (biochemistry): A substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological purpose. In the case of a receptor, the ligand is the signal triggering molecule.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events.
- Cell signaling: The process of communication that governs basic activities of cells and coordinates cell actions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Receptor (biochemistry)
- Wikipedia's article - Receptor (biochemistry)
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