ligand
Receptor's binding partner
A ligand is a molecule or ion that binds to a central atom, typically a metal, to form a larger complex.
In biochemistry, ligands bind to receptor proteins to trigger cellular responses—hormones, neurotransmitters, and drugs all function as ligands: The drug acts as a ligand for dopamine receptors.
The term comes from Latin for "binding."
Signal-receiving molecule
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- inhibitorAgent that slows reactions
activator · cofactor · modulator · docking · affinity · selectivity · specificity · potency
Protein that hastens reactions
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
- hormoneBody's chemical messenger
cytokine · metabolite · effector · inducer · coenzyme · downstream · pathway · cascade
Bind metals in rings
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- tridentateHaving three prongs
- octahedralEight-faced geometric form
- tetrahedralHaving four triangular sides
Carbon bonded to metal
- ironElement twenty-six
- copperReddish-brown metallic element
- zincElement thirty
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
magnesium · platinum · ruthenium · aqua · carbonyl · phosphine
Mental separation from surroundings
- associationGroup with shared aim
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- enthalpyThermodynamic total heat quantity
- entropyQuantified chaos in systems
kinetics · equilibrium · isotherm · avidity · tracer · displacement · titration
receptor
Signal-receiving molecule
- agonistReceptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
inhibitor · activator · cofactor · modulator · docking · affinity · selectivity · specificity · potency · efficacy
enzyme
Protein that hastens reactions
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
- neurotransmitterSynaptic chemical messenger
hormone · cytokine · metabolite · effector · inducer · coenzyme · downstream · pathway · cascade
chelate
Bind metals in rings
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- tridentateHaving three prongs
- octahedralEight-faced geometric form
tetrahedral · ligation · ancillary · spectator · bridging
organometallic
Carbon bonded to metal
calcium · magnesium · platinum · ruthenium · aqua · carbonyl · phosphine
dissociation
Mental separation from surroundings
- associationGroup with shared aim
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- enthalpyThermodynamic total heat quantity
entropy · kinetics · equilibrium · isotherm · avidity · tracer · displacement · titration
- cell signalingreceptor, receptors, signaling, kinase, downstream
- cell biologycell membrane, cell division, cytoplasm, ribosome, mitochondria
- chemistryatom, atoms, organic chemistry, molecule, chemistry
- drug discoverycompounds, SAR, scaffolds, inhibitors, agonists
- Neurophysiologyneuron, action potential, neurotransmitter, nerve impulse, presynaptic
- Neurotransmissionsynapse, neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin
ligandreceptor
Signal-receiving molecule
binding site · acceptor · active site · target · enzyme
- torn ligamentDamaged joint-stabilizing tissue
- ligament tearRuptured joint connector
- suspensory ligamentFibers holding ocular lens
- anterior cruciate ligamentKnee's rotational stability band
- cruciate ligamentKnee's cross-shaped stabilizers
- ligament damageHarm to connective bands