Final answer:
Proteins that serve as signal receptors have specific binding sites designed to match and bind with particular ligands, enabling the receptor to initiate a cellular response upon ligand attachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proteins that serve as signal receptors have binding sites that match the ligands they're bound to. Cell-surface receptors, also known as transmembrane receptors, are integral proteins that bind to external signaling molecules and span the plasma membrane to perform signal transduction.
Ligands that interact with these receptors do not need to enter the cell, making the receptors specific to individual cell types and allowing them to function in processes such as neurotransmitter binding in nerve cells. These receptors are examples of cell-specific proteins or markers and play an essential role in cellular communication and function.