Small molecules and proteins can act as cellular communication signals by binding to cell receptors. a protein binds to its receptor on a cell surface and starts a biochemical chain reaction within the cell. what is the general term for this type of pathway?

The correct answer is signal transduction.

Signal transduction also called cell signaling refers to the conduction of molecular signals from the external of the cell to its internal. The signals perceived by the cells must be conducted efficiently into the cell to make sure an effective response. This step is stimulated by cell-surface receptors.

There are three phases in the procedure of communication or cell signaling, that is, reception, transduction, and response.