A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimulationi. Retinoids Preformed vitamin A found in foods of animal origin. RNA Transfers genetic information from DNA out of the nucleus.
a molecule on the cell surface that serves as a recognition or binding site for a specific antigen, antibody, enzyme or other molecule.
Cells or groups of cells whose main function is the detection of certain stimuli. They trigger the transmission of impulses to the nervous system. Eyes, ears, nose, skin and other sensitive organs all contain specific receptors which respond to external stimuli; other receptors are sensitive to changes occurring within the body.
protein structures on cells that bind specific chemicals or respond to mechanical changes in the cell membrane to cause an effect within the cell.
Part of a cell that allows it to recognize a chemical messenger. A hormone is an example of a chemical messenger. The hormone can be thought of as a "key" and the receptor as the "lock." For the hormone (key) to deliver its message to the cell (like divide, grow or die), it must first bind to the receptor (lock). In this way, the chemical messenger has an effect only on the tissues that have the specific hormone receptor.
a common feature of many sedative and hypnotic drugs, and it is probable that the GABAA receptor complex is a molecular target for these drugs in the mammalian central nervous system
cells that are sensitive to specific stimuli.
point on a cell wall that receives neurotransmitter molecules from adjacent cells.
Cells in the brain that are sensitive to particular drugs; for example, the effects of heroin are experienced once the drug attaches itself to the opioid receptor in the brain
nerve cells in the brain which are sensitive to particular drugs. The effects of a drug are experienced when the drug has attached itself to its corresponding receptor.
receivers; a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli. Hormone receptors are present in both normal breast cells and breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells with estrogen receptors may need estrogen to keep growing.
A receptor is a specialized protein on the surface or interior of a cell that interacts only with very specific molecules in the surrounding environment. Receptors enable molecules or drugs outside cells to communicate a signal to the interior, causing a response within that cell.
Cells that are attached to nerve fibers that monitor the environment in, on and around the body for changes.
specialized molecules on the surface of neurons that bind with particular neurotransmitters.
Sites in the brain that allow the attachment of certain drugs, making them active and able to produce the desired results.
Millions of protein molecules, posted like sentinels around a cell membrane to screen the environment for messages addressed to them. Receptors are highly selective, usually responding to only one type of directive. The meeting of a messenger molecule, or ligand, with its receptor initiates a reaction inside the cell that ultimately affects what the cell does.
Cells capable of detecting changes or stimuli in the internal or external environment of an organism; in humans the receptors for sight, taste and smell are of particular importance to food manufacturers.
The part of a cell that can combine with a drug, hormone or other chemical. This connection usually causes the cell to do something.
molecules that sit on cell surfaces and play a role in chemical “communication.” For example, insulin cannot usher glucose into our cells unless the receptors on the cells respond properly to it.
substances inside cells that bind hormones. Such hormone-receptor complex then activates certain processes in cells (division etc.). If there are no receptors, hormones can not act.
Located on the outer side of a receiving nerve cell, receptors bind the neurotransmitter to the receiving nerve cell and change the activity of this cell.
Black's medical dictionary, G Macpherson ed; 38th ed Organs which may consist of one cell or a small group of cells which respond to different forms of external or internal stimuli by conveying impulses down nerves to the central nervous system, alerting it to changes in the internal and external environment.
sites on the outside of cells where particular messenger molecules such as hormones can attach. This attachment to the receptor site causes corresponding changes inside the cell.
special biological structures found on cells where active molecules such as hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters are attached to the cell surface. The cell then responds to the presence of the chemical in the receptor. Loss of and/or damage to receptors is one important event in aging.
Nerve cells that receive messages from transmitters.
organs which recognize and respond to stimuli Humans as organisms
Locations on cell surfaces that act as signal receivers and allow communication between cells.