Final answer:
The responding cell in cell communication must have receptor proteins to detect and respond to signals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement for a responding cell in cell communication is that it must have receptor proteins. These proteins allow the cell to detect signaling molecules such as ligands, which can include hormones, neurotransmitters, and other chemical messengers.
Upon ligand binding, these receptor proteins typically initiate a series of events within the cell that can lead to a variety of cellular responses.
This process is crucial both in multicellular organisms, where cell communication coordinates the actions of different organs, tissues, and cells, and in single-celled organisms, which also communicate with each other to coordinate actions like mating or forming biofilms.