Binding General Principles Flashcards
What is reversible binding?
idea that ligands can attach to and detach from the macromolecule.
What is a binding site?
the specific region on a macromolecule where the ligand binds. It is usually complementary in shape, charge, and other properties to the ligand.
What types of non-covalent interactions are involved in reversible binding?
hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, Van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions
Why is reversibility important in ligand binding?
enabling dynamic regulation of biological processes and reaching equilibrium
What is the significance of affinity in ligand binding?
how attracted is the ligand to the active site
What is the significance of specificity in ligand binding?
idea of binding site being attracted to a particular ligand from a mixture of similar molecules
How do drugs use reversible binding?
reversibly binding to their target proteins, which can inhibit or activate the protein’s function depending on the dosage.
Give an example of reversible binding in biological processes.
Hemoglobin binding to and releasing oxygen allowing efficient oxygen transport in the body.
