How do Ligand-Receptor Interactions Mediate Cellular Communication?
Ligand-receptor interactions are key to cellular communication. A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor, which is typically a protein on the cell surface or within the cell. This binding can trigger a cascade of events inside the cell, leading to a specific response. For example, hormone signaling involves ligands (hormones) binding to their respective receptors to regulate various physiological functions. Defects in these interactions can lead to disorders such as diabetes and hypertension.
