9.1 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What is a drug?
A drug is a substance with a known chemical structure that produces a specific biological effect.
- How can a drug bind to its target?
A drug binds via complementary interactions—ionic, hydrogen, Van der Waals, and sometimes covalent bonds—based on matching charge, shape, and size.
- What does drug affinity mean?
Affinity is the strength with which a drug binds to its target; higher affinity means effective binding at lower concentrations.
- What is drug selectivity?
Selectivity is a drug’s ability to preferentially bind its intended target versus other similar molecules.
- Give examples of common drug targets.
Common targets include receptors (e.g., GPCRs, nuclear receptors), ion channels, enzymes, transporters, and nucleic acids.
- How can drugs modify target function?
Drugs may activate (agonist), inhibit (antagonist), enhance, attenuate, or interfere with a target’s function—such as by enzyme inhibition or acting as a prodrug.
- Why is complementarity important in drug binding?
Complementarity ensures that a drug’s charge, size, and shape match the binding site for specific and effective interactions.
- How do intermolecular forces contribute to drug-target interactions?
They provide the bonding forces (like ionic and hydrogen bonds) that secure the drug in its target’s binding site.
- Why is a high drug affinity desirable in therapy?
High affinity means the drug effectively binds at low doses, potentially reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
- How is drug selectivity achieved?
Selectivity is achieved when a drug has a significantly higher affinity for its intended target than for other molecules, minimizing off-target effects.
