PEPTIDE RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Peptide receptors can be defined as specialized molecules, typically found on the surface of cells, that specifically bind to and interact with peptides or small proteins. These receptors play a crucial role in various physiological processes by recognizing and responding to specific peptide signals.
Peptide receptors are part of the larger family of cell surface receptors known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). They consist of a single polypeptide chain that spans the cell membrane, with an extracellular region that binds to the peptide ligands and an intracellular region that triggers intracellular signaling upon ligand binding.
The binding of peptides to their respective receptors initiates a series of intracellular events, including activation or inhibition of different signaling pathways, regulation of gene expression, and modulation of cell function. This leads to various biological responses, such as cell proliferation, hormone release, neurotransmission, immune response regulation, and modulation of metabolic pathways.
Peptide receptors are classified based on their specificity for different peptides and the subsequent cellular responses they elicit. Some examples of peptide receptors include receptors for neuropeptides, opioids, growth factors, and hormones like insulin. These receptors are critical for maintaining normal physiological function and are often targeted in drug development and pharmacological interventions.
In summary, peptide receptors are specialized cell surface receptors that facilitate specific binding and interaction with peptides and small proteins. They play a crucial role in various physiological processes by mediating peptide-dependent signaling pathways and orchestrating biological responses.
Common Misspellings for PEPTIDE RECEPTORS
- oeptide receptors
- leptide receptors
- -eptide receptors
- 0eptide receptors
- pwptide receptors
- psptide receptors
- pdptide receptors
- prptide receptors
- p4ptide receptors
- p3ptide receptors
- peotide receptors
- peltide receptors
- pe-tide receptors
- pe0tide receptors
- pepride receptors
- pepfide receptors
- pepgide receptors
- pepyide receptors
- pep6ide receptors
- pep5ide receptors
Etymology of PEPTIDE RECEPTORS
The term "peptide receptors" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "peptide" and "receptors".
1. Peptide: The word "peptide" comes from the Greek word "peptos", meaning "digestible" or "dissolvable". It refers to a short chain of amino acids, usually fewer than 50, that are linked together by peptide bonds. Peptides are important molecules in biological systems and play various roles in functions such as signaling, hormones, and enzymatic processes.
2. Receptors: The word "receptors" comes from the Latin verb "receptare", meaning "to receive". In a biological context, receptors are specialized protein molecules located on cell surfaces or within cells. They have binding sites that allow them to interact with specific molecules, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or other signaling molecules.
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