Question

What is ligand in microbiology?

Answer 1

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.