Receptors operate through a process known as signal transduction. Hereâs a simplified sequence of events:
1. Ligand Binding: The receptor binds to its specific ligand. 2. Conformational Change: This binding causes a change in the receptorâs shape. 3. Signal Transmission: The conformational change initiates a series of intracellular signals. 4. Cellular Response: The cell responds through various actions such as altering gene expression, changing enzyme activity, or modifying ion channel states.
