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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 receptors

Explore 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
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What is a ligand?