receptor
- Noun:
- A sensory organ or specialized cell that responds to external stimuli: A receptor is a biological structure, often part of a sensory organ like the skin, eye, or nose, that contains nerve endings capable of detecting specific types of stimulation (e.g., light, sound, pressure, chemicals) and initiating a nerve impulse.
- A molecule or site on a cell that binds to a specific substance: In biochemistry and physiology, a receptor is a protein molecule, typically embedded in a cell membrane, that recognizes and binds to a specific chemical agent (like a hormone, neurotransmitter, or drug), mediating a physiological response within the cell or tissue.
Noun (Sensory Organ):
- The taste receptors on the tongue allow us to perceive different flavors.
- When light hits the photoreceptors in the retina, a signal is sent to the brain.
Noun (Cellular Structure):
- The drug works by blocking the receptor for the stress hormone.
- Insulin binds to its receptor on the cell surface to allow glucose uptake.
"Receptor site": The specific region on a receptor molecule where a ligand (e.g., a drug or hormone) binds.
- The virus enters the cell by attaching to a specific receptor site.
"Receptor-mediated endocytosis": A cellular process where specific molecules are ingested by the cell after binding to receptors on its surface.
- Cholesterol is taken into cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Sensory receptor (n): A specific type of receptor responsible for detecting sensory stimuli from the environment or the body.
- Pain is detected by specialized sensory receptors called nociceptors.
Neurotransmitter receptor (n): A receptor on a neuron that binds a neurotransmitter released from another neuron.
- Dopamine receptors are a key focus in Parkinson's disease research.
Receptive (adj): Related to the ability to receive or respond to stimuli or impressions.
- The patient's muscles were not receptive to the nerve signals.
- Sensor: A device or biological structure that detects or measures a physical property. (More common for artificial devices, but conceptually similar).
- Binding site: A specific location where another molecule attaches, often used interchangeably in molecular biology contexts.
Receptor antagonist: A drug or molecule that blocks a receptor, preventing its normal activation.
- Beta-blockers are receptor antagonists used to treat high blood pressure.
Receptor agonist: A drug or molecule that activates a receptor, mimicking the action of the natural substance.
- Morphine is an agonist for opioid receptors in the brain.
(Note: As a technical scientific term, "receptor" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily literal and academic.)
- an organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation
- a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response