Final answer:
The "voices" of a cell that carry messages are cell-surface receptors. These receptors are involved in signal transduction, converting extracellular signals into intracellular responses, and are categorized into ion channel-linked, G-protein-linked, and enzyme-linked receptors. Malfunctioning receptors can cause serious health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "voices" of a cell, which carry messages, are cell-surface receptors. These integral membrane proteins bind to external signaling molecules, which can trigger a series of cellular processes. Cell-surface receptors are fundamental components of cellular communication, which ensure the proper functioning of cells in response to their environment.
There are three general categories of cell-surface receptors: ion channel-linked receptors, G-protein-linked receptors, and enzyme-linked receptors. Signal transduction is the process by which an extracellular signal is converted into an intercellular signal, which then leads to a specific cellular response. Problems with receptor proteins can lead to severe health consequences like hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and cancer.