Affinity
Affinity (Medicine)
Affinity (pronounced: /əˈfɪnɪti/) is a term used in medicine and biochemistry to describe the degree to which a molecule, such as a drug or enzyme, can bind to a biological target, such as a receptor or protein. The higher the affinity, the stronger the attraction and binding between the molecule and its target.
Etymology
The term "affinity" comes from the Latin word "affinitas", which means "relationship" or "connection". In the context of medicine and biochemistry, it refers to the relationship or connection between a molecule and its biological target.
Related Terms
- Binding Site: The specific location on a receptor or protein where a molecule binds.
- Agonist: A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, often with high affinity.
- Antagonist: A molecule that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, often with high affinity. Antagonists can block the binding of agonists.
- Inhibitor: A molecule that binds to an enzyme and reduces its activity, often with high affinity.
- Substrate: A molecule that is acted upon by an enzyme. The enzyme's affinity for its substrate can influence the rate of the reaction.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Affinity
- Wikipedia's article - Affinity
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