Reception This occurs when the target cell has detected a signal , most of the time in the form of a small , water soluable molecule, when binding to the receptor protein. Reception is the target cell's detection of a signal . Receptor proteins span the cell’s plasma membrane and provide specific sites for water-soluble signaling molecules to bind to. These trans-membrane receptors are able to transmit information from outside the cell to the inside because they change conformation when a specific ligand binds to it.
Transduction Here the signal is then amplified. There are also opportunities for regulation to occur here.
Response A specific cellular response is then the result of the final step. This repsonse can be any cellular activity that is present in the body,
Local and Long Distance Signaling
Local Communication through direct contact with another cell is known as local. Local Regulators can then influence cells in the vicinity and can stimulate cells to take action about something,.
Long Distance Signaling Here, to pass signlas throughout the body without direct contact, hormones are used. Hormones are sent through the circulatory system to reach the target cell. Once reached, targets can recognize and respond to those hormones.