Question

Do proteins bind to receptors?

Answer 1

• Yes, proteins can bind to receptors.
• A molecule that has the ability to bind to a receptor is called a ligand. A ligand can be a protein or peptide (which is a short protein).
• There are many different types of receptors and ligands, but they all come in closely matched pairs, with a receptor only detecting one (or a few) particular ligands and a ligand binding to only one (or a few) target receptors.
• A receptor's shape or activity is altered when a ligand binds to it, enabling the receptor to send a signal or induce a change in the cell directly.