CELL RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A cell receptor refers to a protein molecule located on the surface or within a cell that specifically recognizes and binds to chemical molecules known as ligands. It acts as a gatekeeper, allowing external signals to be transmitted into the cell, thereby initiating specific intracellular reactions and responses. The binding of a ligand molecule to its corresponding receptor is highly specific, akin to a lock-and-key mechanism, where only certain ligand-receptor interactions are viable.
Cell receptors play a crucial role in various physiological processes by facilitating intercellular communication, regulation of cell growth and development, and coordinating responses to environmental stimuli. They can be classified based on their involvement in different signaling pathways and can be found in various cell types, including neurons, immune cells, endocrine cells, and more.
There are several types of cell receptors, including ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enzyme-linked receptors, and nuclear receptors. Each type possesses specific structural and functional characteristics, allowing them to recognize distinct ligands and initiate various cellular responses. For example, ion channels regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, GPCRs activate intracellular enzymes upon ligand binding, enzyme-linked receptors trigger enzymatic reactions upon activation, and nuclear receptors mediate gene expression changes upon ligand binding.
Cell receptors form an integral part of cellular communication and are vital in maintaining homeostasis and proper functioning of organisms. Understanding their mechanisms of action and the ligands they interact with can provide valuable insights into various disease processes and aid in the development of targeted therapies.
Common Misspellings for CELL RECEPTOR
- xell receptor
- vell receptor
- fell receptor
- dell receptor
- cwll receptor
- csll receptor
- cdll receptor
- crll receptor
- c4ll receptor
- c3ll receptor
- cekl receptor
- cepl receptor
- ceol receptor
- celk receptor
- celp receptor
- celo receptor
- cell eeceptor
- cell deceptor
- cell feceptor
- cell teceptor
Etymology of CELL RECEPTOR
The term "cell receptor" is made up of two components: "cell" and "receptor".
The word "cell" has its origin in the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "small chamber". This term was first used by the British scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century when observing small compartments in cork under a microscope. Over time, "cell" came to be used to describe the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
The word "receptor" derives from the Latin word "receptus", the past participle of "recipere", meaning "to receive". It is related to the Latin noun "receptaculum", which denotes a place or space where something is received or held.
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