target cell

biology

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

In biology, a target cell is a cell that has a specific receptor for a particular substance, such as a hormone. When this substance binds to its receptor on or within the target cell, it triggers a specific cellular response. This interaction is crucial for cell communication and function within the body.12

Hormones, which are chemical messengers, are a primary example of substances that act on target cells. These hormones are secreted by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to reach their specific target tissues. For instance, steroid hormones can pass through the cell membrane to bind with receptors inside the cell, while protein hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface. The binding of a hormone to its receptor initiates a cascade of chemical events within the cell, leading to a specific action.12

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target theory
…absorbed at sensitive points (targets) in a cell. It is supposed that to produce a given effect there must be one or more hits on a target. Ionization of a target molecule of genetic material produces a direct effect on the constitution of the cell, which may be passed…
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…absorbed at sensitive points (targets) in a cell. It is supposed that to produce a given effect there must be one or more hits on a target. Ionization of a target molecule of genetic material produces a direct effect on the constitution of the cell, which may be passed…
Read More

nervous system
Stimulus-response coordination
…body where they act on target cells and influence metabolism or induce synthesis of other substances. The changes resulting from hormonal action are expressed in the organism as influences on, or alterations in, form, growth, reproduction, and behaviour.
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…body where they act on target cells and influence metabolism or induce synthesis of other substances. The changes resulting from hormonal action are expressed in the organism as influences on, or alterations in, form, growth, reproduction, and behaviour.
Read More