Receptor (biochemistry)In biochemistry and pharmacology, receptors are proteins that receive and transduce signals that may be integrated into biological systems. These signals are typically chemical messengers which bind to a receptor and produce physiological responses, such as a change in the electrical activity of a cell. For example, GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, inhibits electrical activity of neurons by binding to GABAA receptors.
Cell signalingCell signaling (cell signalling in British English) is the biological process by which a cell interacts with itself, with other cells, and with the environment. Cell signaling is a fundamental property of all forms of life. Typically, the signaling process involves three components: the first messenger (the ligand), the receptor, and the signal itself.
HormoneA hormone (from Ancient Greek ὁρμῶν (hormôn) 'setting in motion') is a class of signaling molecules in multicellular organisms that are sent to distant organs or tissues by complex biological processes to regulate physiology and behavior. Hormones are required for the normal development of animals, plants and fungi.
Integral membrane proteinAn integral, or intrinsic, membrane protein (IMP) is a type of membrane protein that is permanently attached to the biological membrane. All transmembrane proteins can be classified as IMPs, but not all IMPs are transmembrane proteins. IMPs comprise a significant fraction of the proteins encoded in an organism's genome. Proteins that cross the membrane are surrounded by annular lipids, which are defined as lipids that are in direct contact with a membrane protein.
Cell adhesion moleculeCell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are single-pass transmembrane proteins, a subset of cell membrane proteins that are involved in the binding of cells with other cells or with the extracellular matrix, in a process called cell adhesion. In essence, CAMs help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. CAMs are crucial components in maintaining tissue structure and function.
Cell membraneThe cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, and historically referred to as the plasmalemma) is a semipermeablebiological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the outside environment (the extracellular space).
CytokineCytokines () are a broad and loose category of small proteins (~5–25 kDa) important in cell signaling. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various types of connective tissue cells. A single cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell. Cytokines are usually too large to cross cell membranes and enter cells.
NeurotransmitterA neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell. Some neurotransmitters are also stored in large dense core vesicles.Growth factorA growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cell proliferation, wound healing, and occasionally cellular differentiation. Usually it is a secreted protein or a steroid hormone. Comparison to cytokinesGrowth factor is sometimes used interchangeably among scientists with the term cytokine.
Cell (biology)Basic unit of life formsThe cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all forms of life or organisms. The term comes from the Latin word cellula meaning 'small room'. A biological cell basically consists of a semipermeablecell membrane enclosing cytoplasm that contains genetic material. Most cells are only visible under a microscope.
Extracellular matrixStructural support for biological cellsIn biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM), also called the intercellular matrix, is a network consisting of extracellularmacromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
Glossary of biologyThis glossary of biology terms is a list of definitions of fundamental terms and concepts used in biology, the study of life and of living organisms.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.