Receptor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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receptor
[rɪˈsiːptər ]
Definition
cell biology
A receptor is a protein molecule that receives and transmits signals to the interior of a cell. These signals can be chemical, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, and binding to the receptor alters the cell's function. Receptors play critical roles in a variety of physiological processes, including vision, smell, and the immune response. They are vital in pharmacology, as many drugs act by targeting specific receptors in the body.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The receptor detected the hormone level changes.
- Neurotransmitter receptors are essential for communication between nerve cells.
- The body has many types of receptors for different stimuli.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Receptors play a vital role in the nervous system, allowing communication between cells through chemical signals.
- There are different types of receptors, like sensory receptors (for sight, sound, taste, etc.) and hormone receptors, each serving unique purposes.
Medicine
- Understanding how receptors work is essential for developing medications that target specific parts of the body.
- Certain drugs can mimic natural receptors or block them to treat various health conditions, revealing their therapeutic potential.
Psychology
- The concept of neurotransmitter receptors illustrates how our brains process emotions and thoughts based on received signals.
- Studies have explored how variations in receptors can influence behaviors and responses to different stimuli.
Technology
- In technology, the term 'receptor' can refer to devices that receive signals, such as radio receivers.
- Innovations in bioengineering aim to create synthetic receptors that can detect specific signals, enhancing medical diagnostics.
Origin of 'receptor'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'receptor', meaning 'one who receives' or 'to catch'.
- It originally related to various forms of receiving or taking in, seen in many fields, not just biology.
The word 'receptor' has its origins in the Latin term 'receptor', meaning 'one who receives', derived from 'recipere', which means 'to receive'. The modern scientific use of the term began in the late 19th century when it was adopted in the context of physiology and cell biology. As scientists began to understand the role of proteins in cellular communication, the term evolved to specifically refer to cellular structures that respond to external signals. In the mid-20th century, advances in biochemistry and molecular biology led to a more detailed understanding of receptors, including their structure and function. Today, receptors are a fundamental concept in a variety of scientific fields, including pharmacology, neuroscience, and immunology.