Chapter 7 - Cell Communication and Multicelluarity - 7.2 - Receptors Bind Signals to Initiate a Cellular Response - 7.2 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 137: 1

Specificity makes sure that only those cells that have a certain receptor will be affected by a given ligand signal. The receptor protein changes its 3D shape when it binds to the signaling ligand and this shape alteration initiates a cellular response. This is important because it gives specific and unique instructions to tell the cell what to do.

Specificity makes sure that only those cells that have a certain receptor will be affected by a given ligand signal. The receptor protein changes its 3D shape when it binds to the signaling ligand and this shape alteration initiates a cellular response. This is important because it gives specific and unique instructions to tell the cell what to do.