Chemical
ligand
li·gand [ lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd ]
Definitions related to ligands:
-
An ion, molecule or molecular group that binds to a substance to form a larger complex.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Molecule that binds to another molecule, especially a small molecule that binds specifically to a larger molecule.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
-
A molecule that binds to another molecule, used especially to refer to a small molecule that binds specifically to a larger molecule, e.g., an antigen binding to an antibody, a hormone or neurotransmitter binding to a receptor, or a substrate or allosteric effector binding to an enzyme. Ligands are also molecules that donate or accept a pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with the central metal atom of a coordination complex. (From Dorland, 27th ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> L
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.