first messenger

noun

: an extracellular substance (as the hormone epinephrine or the neurotransmitter serotonin) that binds to a cell-surface receptor and initiates intracellular activity compare second messenger

Dictionary Entries Near first messenger

first-line

first messenger

first polar body

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Cite this Entry

“First messenger.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/first%20messenger. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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