Receptor Cells: Definition, Function & Importance

A receptor cell reacts to sensations or stimulus in its environment. For example, receptors cells in the mouth may yield a burning sensation from chili pepper or result in a cooling feeling from peppermint mouthwash.

Significance

• One hundred percent of the cells in multicellular organisms have a consistent stream of signals and stimuli in their environments that they must read and decipher to yield the proper response. This process may consist of one cell sending a chemical or electrical signal to another cell through a process called "synapse." The other method of signaling occurs when a hormone or growth factor binds to the surface of the cell or on the structure that supports the cell.

Function

• Cells have a variety of receptors on their surface. Each receptor responds to a distinctive stimulus. Researchers classify receptors according to the method used by a receptor to produce intracellular signals that cause it to respond. However, any receptor can have its specific purpose altered by signaling conduits in a number of ways.

Types

• The main categories of receptors are separated according to their primary functions. The receptor groups include cytokine receptors, integrins receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases, and G protein coupled receptors.