[Campbell Biology P.266] In the context of cell signaling, what is the definition of a "liga... | Practice Question

In the context of cell signaling, what is the definition of a "ligand"?

  • A: An enzyme that catalyzes a specific cellular response.
  • B: A receptor protein embedded in the plasma membrane.
  • C: A molecule that specifically binds to another, often larger, molecule.
  • D: A cellular structure that initiates a signal independently.

Explanation

The text defines a ligand as 'the term for a molecule that specifically binds to another often larger molecule'. This matches option C directly.