In signal transduction, what phase follows receptor activation?

In signal transduction, the phase that follows receptor activation is known as signal transduction. This phase involves a series of biochemical events initiated by the activated receptor, which serves to convert the external signal (ligand binding) into a specific cellular response. During this process, the receptor often undergoes a conformational change that activates intracellular signaling pathways, usually involving secondary messengers or a cascade of protein interactions.

This progression is crucial because it ensures that the initial signal received by the receptor is effectively relayed and amplified within the cell, leading to a functional response. Properly understanding the mechanisms of this phase is essential for grasping how cells communicate and respond to their environment. As such, signal transduction is foundational in understanding the broader concepts of cellular communication and response.