Transduction, definition

The rates of the forward ( f) and reverse (kT) reactions together with the mass transport parameters of the species involved in the transduction mechanism are important for the response of the sensor. Introducing reaction rates into the definition of the equilibrium constant introduces the notion of time. Thus, for the same value of K we can have fast and slow, forward and reverse reactions, and therefore fast or slow equilibrium. The equilibrium constant (K) is expressed in terms of activities. 

The definition of receptors as specific sites for drug action owes much to the work of John Newton Langley [ 1852-1925 ] and Paul Ehrlich [ 1854-1915 ]. Their separate work on the autonomic nervous system and toxins and chemotherapeutic agents led to the concept of a receptor that possesses both recognition and transduction components and of chemotherapeutic molecules possessing discrete molecular features subserving specific functions ... 

While several functions for NO have been identified, the signal transduction pathway(s) that are utilized by NO at critical stages of ovarian development have not yet been definitively elucidated. The ecNOS- and iNOS-deficient mice provide excellent tools for the dissection of the relative functions for each isoform in the ovary. Furthermore, the study of ovarian NOS provides an experimental system in which the roles of ecNOS and iNOS in development (follicular and oocyte maturation) and differentiation (formation of the corpus luteum) can be studied. 

---