Estrogen receptors

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Estrogen Receptors

Estrogen receptors (pronounced: es-tro-jen re-sep-tors) are a group of proteins found inside cells. They are receptors that are activated by the hormone estrogen.

Etymology

The term "estrogen" is derived from the Greek words "oistros" meaning "gadfly" or "frenzy", and "gen" meaning "to produce". The term "receptor" comes from the Latin "receptare" meaning "to receive".

Function

Estrogen receptors are responsible for mediating the effects of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are also involved in various processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

There are two main types of estrogen receptors: Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). These receptors are found in various tissues including the breast, uterus, ovaries, and brain.

Related Terms

  • Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
  • Protein: A molecule composed of amino acids that is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
  • Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms.
  • Menstrual cycle: The regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible.
  • Pregnancy: The time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman.
  • Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

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