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Question

What is ligand in microbiology?


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Solution

Ligands

  1. An atom or small molecule binds to another molecule resulting in the formation of a complex.
  2. This small molecule that binds is called a ligand.
  3. This binding is capable of producing a signal which further initiates several cellular responses.
  4. They are of two types- intracellular and extracellular ligands.
  5. Intracellular ligands bind to receptors present within the cells.
  6. Extracellular ligands bind to receptors present on the surface of the cells.
  7. Examples- Insulin is a ligand that binds to various cells. Acetylcholine ligand binds to receptors present in neurons.

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