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Receptor: meaning, definitions and examples

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receptor

 

[rɪˈsiːptər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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

detector, sensor, transducer.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "receptor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 receptor

🇮🇳 ग्राही

🇩🇪 Rezeptor

🇮🇩 reseptor

🇺🇦 рецептор

🇵🇱 receptor

🇯🇵 受容体

🇫🇷 récepteur

🇪🇸 receptor

🇹🇷 reseptör

🇰🇷 수용체

🇸🇦 مستقبل

🇨🇿 receptor

🇸🇰 receptor

🇨🇳 受体

🇸🇮 receptor

🇮🇸 viðtaki

🇰🇿 рецептор

🇬🇪 რეცეპტორი

🇦🇿 reseptor

🇲🇽 receptor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,909, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.