Recombinant DNA experiments using chimeric receptors containing portions of alpha 2 and beta 2 adrenoceptors demonstrated structure-function relationships of adrenoceptors. The seventh transmembrane domain determines the subtype ligand binding specificity between alpha 2 and beta 2 adrenoceptors. A further investigation by mutagenesis suggests that a direct interaction between subtype specific ligands and specific amino acids such as Phe (412) and Asn (312) in the seventh transmembrane domain of the alpha 2 and beta 2 adrenoceptors respectively. The third cytoplasmic loop is responsible for determining the specificity of interactions between the receptor and G protein. Recombinant DNA technology also demonstrated that seven transmembrane domains of adrenoceptors have a counterclockwise arrangement when viewed from the outside of the cell.