Receptor may refer to:
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Sensory receptor
Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, are neurons in the nervous system, that convert a specific type of stimulus, via their receptors, into action potentials or graded potentials. This process is called sensory transduction. The cell ...
, in physiology, any structure which, on receiving environmental stimuli, produces an informative nerve impulse
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Receptor (biochemistry)
In biochemistry and pharmacology, receptors are chemical structures, composed of protein, that receive and transduce signals that may be integrated into biological systems. These signals are typically chemical messengers which bind to a recept ...
, in biochemistry, a protein molecule that receives and responds to a neurotransmitter, or other substance
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Cell surface receptor
Cell surface receptors (membrane receptors, transmembrane receptors) are receptors that are embedded in the plasma membrane of cells. They act in cell signaling by receiving (binding to) extracellular molecules. They are specialized integral m ...
, a receptor on the outer surface of a cell membrane, that takes part in communication between the cell and the outside world
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Nuclear receptor
In the field of molecular biology, nuclear receptors are a class of proteins responsible for sensing steroids, thyroid hormones, vitamins, and certain other molecules. These receptors work with other proteins to regulate the expression of speci ...
, a receptor found within cells that is responsible for sensing steroid and thyroid hormones and certain other molecules
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Immune receptor
An immune receptor (or immunologic receptor) is a receptor, usually on a cell membrane, which binds to a substance (for example, a cytokine) and causes a response in the immune system.
Types
The main receptors in the immune system are pattern rec ...
, a receptor that occurs on the surface of immunocytes and binds to antigens
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Receiver (radio)
In radio communications, a radio receiver, also known as a receiver, a wireless, or simply a radio, is an electronic device that receives radio waves and converts the information carried by them to a usable form. It is used with an antenna. T ...
, a device for the reception of electromagnetic signals.
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