Final answer:
A metabotropic receptor, also known as a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), causes metabolic changes within a cell when a neurotransmitter binds to it.
Step-by-step explanation:
A metabotropic receptor, also known as a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), is a type of neurotransmitter receptor that causes metabolic changes within a cell when the neurotransmitter binds to it.
Metabotropic receptors involve a complex of proteins including a transmembrane receptor protein, a G protein, and an effector protein. After binding, the G protein moves to the effector protein, which generates a second messenger, such as cAMP. This second messenger can then cause changes in the neuron ranging from opening or closing ion channels to metabolic changes and changes in gene transcription.