Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The process by which a sensory stimulus is transduced into an electrical signal. Two basic sensory transduction mechanisms are known.
The activation of PHOTORECEPTORS, OLFACTORY RECEPTORS and TASTE CELLS results in changes in cellular levels of SECOND MESSENGERS (such as CYCLIC GMP or CYCLIC AMP). The second-messengers gate ion channels (see ION CHANNEL) that allow ions to flow across the membrane, thereby altering membrane voltage. Auditory HAIR CELLS, TOUCH RECEPTORS and other MECHANORECEPTORS possess MEMBRANE CHANNELS that are directly gated by deformation of the channels themselves or the surrounding membrane. All receptors show that property of ADAPTATION—the response declines over time to a constant stimulus.
JOHN E.DOWLING
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