Definition - What does receptor mean?
In biology, a receptor is binding site located on, or in, a cell. These sites can bind with other substances such as antibodies, hormones, drugs, or neurotransmitters. Usually, cell receptors will only bind to specific substances with which there is a proper fit. Immunoassay drug testing makes use of this function in order to identify drug use.
SureHire explains receptor
Biological cell receptors are made of proteins or glycoproteins. The receptor is a binding site to which other molecules attach. These molecular substances are messengers that trigger an action or reaction in the cell once attached. Sometimes that action is to transmit a signal or message to another cell. An example of this type of signalling occurs when a nerve ending transfers sensation from one nerve cell to the next. In some cases, a molecule binding to a receptor does not trigger a signal, but blocks the cell from binding with any other substance. This process is referred to as antagonist binding. Immunoassay drug testing uses this binding process to determine the concentration of the targeted drug within a test sample.
