Tiny proteins on the surface of most cells. Receptors act as the ‘go-buttons’ on cells, and when activated by compounds that fit into them, tell the cell what to do or not do.
Synonyms:
receptors
Summary from Wikipedia:
Receptor may refer to:
- Sensory receptor, in physiology, any structure which, on receiving environmental stimuli, produces an informative nerve impulse
- Receptor (biochemistry), in biochemistry, a protein molecule that receives and responds to a neurotransmitter, or other substance
- Cell surface receptor, a receptor on the outer surface of a cell membrane, that takes part in communication between the cell and the outside world
- Nuclear receptor, a receptor found within cells that is responsible for sensing steroid and thyroid hormones and certain other molecules
- Immune receptor, a receptor that occurs on the surface of immunocytes and binds to antigens
- Receiver (radio), a device for the reception of electromagnetic signals