What are the main components of cell-surface receptors?
Posted May 3, 2023
Answer
Cell-surface receptors are transmembrane proteins. They lie embedded in the plasma membrane and are made up of three main components:
- An external ligand-binding domain, also known as the extracellular domain or recognition domain - it is exposed to the cell’s outer surface
- A hydrophobic domain that spans the plasma membrane – it is made up of hydrophobic protein molecules
- An intracellular domain or coupling domain – it is in contact with the cytoplasm in the cell and often sends the signals
Each of these domains vary in terms of size and extent, depending on the type of receptor.
Additional resources
Interplay between Cell-Surface Receptors and Extracellular Matrix in Skin
Cell Navigator® Cell Plasma Membrane Staining Kit *Green Fluorescence*