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Graded Receptor Response

Meaning

Graded receptor response describes the physiological phenomenon where the magnitude of a cell’s response to a chemical messenger, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, is directly proportional to the concentration of the ligand that binds to its receptor. Unlike an all-or-nothing response, this graded action allows for a finely tuned and continuous spectrum of cellular activity, enabling precise homeostatic control. Understanding this principle is fundamental to accurate pharmacological dosing and endogenous hormone optimization.