Moiety

Moiety in biochemistry refers to a specific part of a larger molecule. It can be a functional group, an atom, or a group of atoms that are part of a larger molecule. The term is often used in pharmacology to describe the part of a drug molecule that is responsible for its biological activity.

Definition

A moiety is a part of a molecule which is typically given a name because it is identified as part of a particular kind of molecule and is found in a variety of other molecules as well. It can be a functional group, an atom, or a group of atoms. The term is used in different ways in different fields of study.

In Biochemistry

In biochemistry, a moiety is a specific part of a larger molecule. It is often used to refer to a functional group, which is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule. For example, the hydroxyl group (-OH) is a moiety that is present in alcohols.

In Pharmacology

In pharmacology, a moiety is the part of a drug molecule that is responsible for its biological activity. This can be a single atom, a functional group, or a larger part of the molecule. For example, the phenyl group is a moiety that is often found in drugs that act on the central nervous system.

In Anthropology

In anthropology, a moiety is one of two social or ritual groups into which a society can be divided. Each member of a society is born into one moiety or the other, and this determines certain social and ritual roles and responsibilities.

See Also

• Functional group
• Pharmacophore
• Anthropology of religion