Thread: Sensory receptors vs receptors (biochemistry)

Receptor (biochemistry) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Says here that it is a protein molecule inside cells. And if I'm not wrong sensory receptors are a kind of cells right? So does this mean sensory receptors are "powered" by them? Otherwise what are the differences? Thank you!

Originally Posted by molecool

Receptor (biochemistry) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Says here that it is a protein molecule inside cells. And if I'm not wrong sensory receptors are a kind of cells right? So does this mean sensory receptors are "powered" by them? Otherwise what are the differences? Thank you!

Sensory receptors are nerve cells that receive and transmit information (auditory, visual, etc.). That information is usually passed on via chemicals and picked up by receptor molecules. An example would be the opsins in the cells of the retina (cf. Visual phototransduction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Yeah, there is a huge difference between a receptor, and a nerve receptor cell. A receptor is an elaborate protein molecule, usually resembling an antibody (something to grab whatever it could recept from). Or a more simple protein molecule that can catch a simple ion or hormone, then respond back to the cell by a signal. This could be a releasing protein on the inside of the membrane, or Calcium/Magnesium ions.