Structure → signaling · 8 MIN
Membranes & recognition
A plasma membrane separates a cell from its surroundings. Its phospholipid bilayer and proteins help control exchange. Receptors bind particular signaling molecules, called ligands; cell-surface receptors can relay information into the cell. Binding is not the same as a therapeutic response. Expression, downstream signaling and resistance matter.
Read the source: OpenStax · Signaling molecules and cellular receptorsExplore the evidence.
Compare recognition labels in the sandbox. They do not alter receptor-specific signaling: the simulation models generic contact killing only.
Open organelle sandbox