selectivity and drug action

Question 1

what is meant by the term selectivity

Answer 1

it is the ability of a drug to distinguish between different molecular targets within the body

Question 2

what does selectivity allow drugs to do

Answer 2

it allows drugs to target specific cells and tissues within the body, and so the drug can produce their intended effect by binding to particular targets they express

Question 3

describe, in general, how most drugs act

Answer 3

many drugs act by binding to regulatory proteins to modify their function

Question 4

give some examples of the types of molecules targeted by drugs

Answer 4

enzymes, DNA, RNA, carrier channels(transporters/channels), ion channels, receptors

Question 5

what is meant by the term receptors

Answer 5

receptors are macromolecules on/within cells that regulate biological actions or hormones, neurotransmitters and other endogenous substances

Question 6

describe why drug selectivity is rarely absolute (would be specificity)

Answer 6

because drug selectivity is critically dependant on the dose of the drug, as well as often the ay in which the drug is administered