Biological Transducers
Specialized sensory receptor cells that convert external physical or chemical stimuli into graded bioelectrical signals.
Governing formula
Transduction: Physical Stimulus Energy → Receptor Potential (mV)
SI unit
mV / pA (Receptor Signal Output)
In depth
Photoreceptors (retinal rods/cones) convert photon energy; mechanoreceptors (inner ear hair cells) convert sound mechanical vibrations; thermoreceptors convert thermal energy into receptor potentials that trigger nerve action potentials.
Examples in the real world
Cochlear hair cell stereocilia bending under acoustic fluid vibration to open mechanosensitive ion channels.