Receptors

Question 1

Pharmacological Receptor

Answer 1

A receptor is a protein molecule found on the surface of cells, which can recognize and bind with specific chemical messengers or ligands. Pharmacological receptors are receptors that can be targeted and modulated by drugs to produce a therapeutic effect.

Question 2

Cellular Locations of Receptors

Answer 2

Receptors can be found on the surface of the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm, or in the nucleus of cells.

Question 3

Functional Types of Receptors

Answer 3

Ligand-gated ion channels

G protein-coupled receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors

Intracellular receptors

Question 4

Cellular Signaling by Functional Types of Receptors

Answer 4

Ligand-gated ion channels allow ions to flow into or out of cells, causing changes in membrane potential.

G protein-coupled receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways via G proteins and second messengers.

Enzyme-linked receptors activate intracellular signaling pathways by phosphorylating target proteins.

Intracellular receptors bind to ligands that can diffuse through the cell membrane and activate gene expression.

Question 5

Examples of Each Functional Type

Answer 5

Ligand-gated ion channels: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

G protein-coupled receptors: Adrenergic receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors: Insulin receptor

Intracellular receptors: Glucocorticoid receptor