binding site
Ligand attachment point
A binding site is a specific region on a molecule—typically a protein or DNA—where another molecule attaches.
Enzymes have binding sites for substrates; receptors have binding sites for hormones or neurotransmitters.
The shape and chemistry of the binding site determine what can attach: The drug works by blocking the receptor's binding site.
Much of biochemistry and pharmacology concerns what fits where.
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- enzymeProtein that hastens reactions
- pocketFabric compartment in clothing
- dockingConnecting to a port
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
molecule · protein · inhibitor · lock · key · lock and key · catalytic · membrane · specificity · attachment · recognition · groove · cleft · antibody · antigen · interaction · target · drug
- drug discoverycompounds, SAR, scaffolds, inhibitors, agonists
- Neurophysiologyneuron, action potential, neurotransmitter, nerve impulse, presynaptic
- pharmacologypharmacology, drugs, pharmacokinetics, dose, drug
- structural biologyelectron microscopy, protein folding, electron diffraction, Rosetta, docking
- Supramolecular Chemistryencapsulation, self-assembly, capsule, receptor, hydrogen bonding
- bindingaffinity, ligand, saturation, occupancy, hydrogen bonds