How do cells primarily communicate with each other?

Cells primarily communicate with each other through chemical signals. This process involves the release of specific substances, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, that travel between cells and bind to receptors on target cells. This binding initiates a response in the receiving cell, allowing it to react to the signal.

Chemical signaling is essential for various biological processes, including growth, immune responses, and the functioning of the nervous system. For example, when a nerve cell transmits a signal to another nerve cell, it does so by releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft—the small gap between the two cells. The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the next nerve cell, conveying the message.

While cells can indeed communicate through electrical signals, physical contact, and other means, chemical signals are the most common and versatile method by which cells transmit information both locally and over longer distances in the body.