Question

In the context of cell signaling, to what does the term ligand refer?

Please choose the correct answer from the following choices, and then select the submit answer button.


-the proteins activated as part of a signal transduction pathway

-the extracellular domain of a receptor protein

-a type of gated channel

-a signaling molecule

Answer 1

In cell signaling, the term ligand refers to a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor protein. When a ligand binds to its receptor, it causes conformational changes in the receptor's extracellular domain and activates the intracellular domain. This initiates a signaling pathway.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term ligand refers to a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor protein in cell signaling. Ligands can be small, usually volatile or soluble molecules that are released by signaling cells. When a ligand binds to its receptor, it causes conformational changes in the receptor's extracellular domain, which can lead to the activation of the intracellular domain and initiation of a signaling pathway.