The Shapes and Properties of Drugs

Question 1

What are the different receptors for Acetylcholine?

Answer 1

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR)

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (mAChR)

Question 2

What are the similarities between Nicotinic and Muscarinic Receptors?

Answer 2

• Both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors are found on the post-ganglionic neurons of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors undergo conformational changes upon binding the agonist.

Question 3

What are the differences between Nicotinic and Muscarinic Receptors?

Answer 3

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR)
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channel

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (mAChR)
- G Protein-Coupled Receptor

Question 4

What force governs drug-target interactions?

Answer 4

Amino Acid Side Chains
o	Aliphatic
o	Aromatic
o	Polar, uncharged
o	Positively charged
o	Negatively charged

Question 5

Define Ionic Bonds

Answer 5

Formed between charged groups of a ligand OR drug and arginine, lysine, histidine, aspartate, or glutamate residues in protein targets.

Question 6

Define a Dipole-Dipole Force

Answer 6

A dipole-dipole force is when the positive side of a polar molecule attracts the negative side of another polar molecule.

Question 7

Define an Ion-Dipole Force

Answer 7

An ion-dipole force is a force between an ion and a polar molecule.

Question 8

Define a Cation-π Bond

Answer 8

A Cation-π Bond is between an aromatic group and a positively charged ion (cation)

Question 9

Define a π-π Bond

Answer 9

A π-π Bond is between two aromatic groups.

Question 10

Describe Hydrophobic Interactions

Answer 10

Hydrophobic Interactions are driven by chemical groups that prefer to avoid a polar environment.

Question 11

Describe Protein Backbone Interactions

Answer 11

The peptide backbone can form Hydrogen bonds between the Oxygen and Hydrogen constituents.