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Signal Transduction

Meaning

Signal transduction is the fundamental cellular process by which an extracellular signaling molecule, such as a hormone, growth factor, or neurotransmitter, binds to a specific receptor and triggers a cascade of biochemical events inside the cell, ultimately leading to a change in cellular function or gene expression. This highly regulated communication pathway is essential for coordinating all physiological processes, from metabolism and growth to immune response and neural activity. Disruptions in signal transduction are central to many endocrine disorders and diseases.