receptor

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.RT06841
Molecular structure in or on a cell that specifically recognizes and binds to a compound and acts as a physiological signal @T06437@, or mediator of, an effect.
Source:
PAC, 2004, 76, 1033. (Glossary of terms used in toxicokinetics (IUPAC Recommendations 2003)) on page 1067 [Terms] [Paper]
This definition replaces an earlier definition of receptor.