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Cellular Response

Meaning

Cellular response defines the specific change in function, behavior, or gene expression of a cell that is elicited by an external stimulus, such as a hormone, neurotransmitter, or nutrient change. This fundamental biological principle dictates all physiological adaptations, from a pancreatic beta-cell secreting insulin to a target tissue upregulating its receptor density. Understanding the precise cellular response is critical in endocrinology, as it determines the clinical outcome of both endogenous hormonal fluctuations and exogenous therapeutic interventions. The nature of the response can be immediate, involving enzyme activation, or delayed, involving new protein synthesis.