ligand etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: ligare ("to bind")
  • French: ligand ("binding agent")

Meaning and Origin:

A ligand is a molecule, ion, or atom that binds to a specific binding site on a receptor molecule or ion, forming a complex. The term "ligand" was coined in the early 20th century by French biochemist Émile Werner to describe the molecules that bind to metal ions in coordination complexes.

The concept of ligands has since been extended to include molecules that bind to other receptors, such as proteins, enzymes, and antibodies. Ligands can be classified into two types:

  • Agonists: Ligands that bind to a receptor and activate it, causing a cellular response.
  • Antagonists: Ligands that bind to a receptor but block its activation, preventing cellular responses.

Ligands play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including:

  • Signal transduction
  • Enzyme regulation
  • Transport of molecules across membranes
  • Immune system function
  • Drug interactions

Understanding the interactions between ligands and their receptors is essential for comprehending the molecular basis of many biological processes and for developing effective drugs.

ligand relate terms

  • alloy

    Etymology and Meaning The word alloy comes from the Old French word aloyer which me

  • ally

    Etymology The word ally derives from the Middle French word alié which is itself a

  • colligate

    Etymology Latin collega colleague Latin legare to tie bind Meaning Collig

  • deligate

    Etymology The word delegate is derived from the Latin verb delegare which means to

  • furl

    Etymology The word furl comes from the Middle Dutch word vorlen meaning to fold up

  • league

    Etymology The word league has its origins in the 14th century Middle French word ligue

  • legato

    Etymology Italian legare meaning to bind tie or connect Meaning and Origin

  • liable

    Etymology The word liable comes from the Middle English word liable which originate

  • liaison

    Etymology and Meaning liaison noun French liaison Latin ligāre to bind to

  • lien

    Etymology The word lien is derived from the French word lien which in turn comes fro

  • lictor

    Etymology The word lictor is derived from the Latin word ligare meaning to bind

  • ligand

    Etymology Latin ligare to bind French ligand binding agent Meaning and Orig

  • ligament

    Etymology Latin ligamentum binding band Proto Indo European leig to bind Mean

  • ligate

    Etymology Latin ligare to bind tie Proto Indo European leig to bind Mean

  • ligation

    Etymology Latin ligāre to bind tie up Proto Indo European leg to bind M

  • ligature

    Etymology The word ligature comes from the Latin word ligare meaning to bind toget

  • oblige

    Etymology The word oblige comes from the Latin word obligare which means to bind

  • rally

    Etymology The word rally comes from the Old French word rallier which means to gath

  • religion

    Etymology The word religion is derived from the Latin word religio which means rev

  • rely

    Etymology Old French relier to bind attach Latin religare to bind together tie u

  • substance

    Etymology The word substance is derived from the Latin word substantia which means

  • mortgage

    Etymology The word mortgage derives from the Old French word mort meaning death a

  • lackadaisical

    Etymology From lack a intensive day less without Originally a word for a pe

  • partner

    Etymology The word partner is derived from the Middle French word partenaire which i

  • smorgasbord

    Etymology The word smorgasbord comes from the Swedish words smör butter and gåsb

  • follow

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It looks at how words have

  • catechesis

    Etymology The word catechesis is derived from the Greek word katēchēsis which mean

  • groom

    Etymology Middle English from Old English grōma of Germanic origin Meaning A man wh

  • breach

    Etymology Old French breche from Late Latin brecha from Celtic of unknown origin M

  • metaphor

    Etymology The word metaphor comes from the Greek word μεταφορά metaphorá whi