Receptor (biochemistry)

In biochemistry, a receptor is a protein on the cell membrane or within the cytoplasm or cell nucleus that binds to a specific factor (a ligand), such as a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other substance, and initiates the cellular response to the ligand.

Related Topics:
Biochemistry - Cell membrane - Cytoplasm - Cell nucleus - Ligand - Neurotransmitter - Hormone

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As all receptors are proteins, their structure is encoded into the DNA. Most hormone genes contain a short sequence that signals to the cell whether it needs to be transported to the cell membrane or it is to remain in the cytoplasm.

Related Topics:
Protein - DNA - Cell - Cell membrane - Cytoplasm

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