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first messenger

American  

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. a hormone that triggers a biochemical reaction at a site removed from its release.


Etymology

Origin of first messenger

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The hormone that initiates the signaling pathway is called a first messenger, which activates a second messenger in the cytoplasm, as illustrated in Figure 28.6.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The hormone that initiated the signaling pathway is called a first messenger.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The hormone is called a first messenger and the cellular component is called a second messenger.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The neurotransmitter, referred to as the first messenger, binds to the receptor protein on the extracellular surface of the cell, and the intracellular side of the protein initiates activity of the G protein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Her first messenger was a girl carefully disguised as a farmer's daughter returning from the sale of her vegetables in the Washington market.

From The Victim A romance of the Real Jefferson Davis by Dixon, Thomas