Word
ligand
Phoneticslig·and
/ˈɫɪɡənd/
Definition
n. a molecule that binds to a specific site on a larger molecule, like a protein. This connection often sends a signal to a cell or causes a chemical change.
n. a molecule or ion that binds specifically to a receptor or central metal atom to form a complex. In pharmacology, it acts as a signaling molecule that triggers a biological response upon binding.
Examples
“The ligand attaches to the cell receptor.”
“Researchers are developing a new ligand that can target cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue.”
“The binding affinity of the ligand determines how effectively the drug can compete with natural hormones for the same receptor site within the nervous system.”
Examples
simple
“The ligand attaches to the cell receptor.”
contextual
“Researchers are developing a new ligand that can target cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue.”
complex
“The binding affinity of the ligand determines how effectively the drug can compete with natural hormones for the same receptor site within the nervous system.”
Usage
Commonly used in biochemistry and pharmacology; often paired with the verb 'bind' and the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“The ligand-binding pocket is highlighted, and a zoomed-in view shows the detailed interactions between the enzyme and the ligand, including key residues involved in binding.” “Until now, changing this order typically required either designing a new ligand, the molecule that directly grips the metal, or altering the coordination structure, the way the metal bonds with surrounding molecules.” “SMACs are traditionally grown in liquid solutions containing ligands—chemical wrappers that support the metal atoms.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin ligandus, gerundive of ligo (“bind”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/ligand