Definitions

1. noun

A molecule or organelle that responds to a signal and initiates a response, especially a receptor or an enzyme.

“The effector molecule was responsible for triggering the cell’s defense mechanism.”

2. noun

A muscle or group of muscles that performs a specific action, especially in the context of motor control in the nervous system.

“The effector muscles in the arm were stimulated by the electrical impulses from the brain.”

3. noun

In immunology, an effector cell is a cell that carries out a specific function in response to an antigen.

“T cells are a type of effector cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response.”

4. noun

In biology, an effector is a molecule or protein that responds to a signal and alters the behavior of a cell or an organism.

“The effector protein was responsible for changing the cell’s metabolism in response to a hormone.”