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Molecular Receptor Sensitivity

Meaning

Molecular receptor sensitivity describes the degree of responsiveness exhibited by a specific cellular receptor protein to its cognate ligand, such as a hormone, neurotransmitter, or growth factor. This sensitivity is quantitatively determined by the binding affinity and the efficiency with which the receptor initiates a downstream cellular signaling cascade upon ligand engagement. High sensitivity allows a robust cellular response to be elicited by a minimal concentration of the signaling molecule. This physiological characteristic is a crucial determinant of the effective biological concentration of a hormone, independent of its absolute circulating level.