Small molecule
Small Molecule
Small molecules are low molecular weight organic compounds that encompass a wide range of molecular structures and functions. They typically have a molecular weight of less than 900 daltons and can readily diffuse across cell membranes.
Pronunciation
Small Molecule: /smɔːl ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
Etymology
The term "small molecule" is derived from the fact that these molecules are smaller in size compared to larger biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The term "molecule" comes from the Latin "moles" meaning "mass" and the suffix "-cule" meaning "small".
Definition
Small molecules are defined by their low molecular weight and their ability to diffuse across cell membranes. They can be composed of a single type of atom, or they can be composed of many different types of atoms arranged in a complex structure. Small molecules can be naturally occurring, such as oxygen and glucose, or they can be synthetically produced, such as many pharmaceutical drugs.
Related Terms
- Macromolecule: A molecule containing a large number of atoms, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or synthetic polymer.
- Drug: A substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication.
- Pharmaceutical: A medicinal drug used in health care.
- Organic Compound: Any member of a large class of gaseous, liquid, or solid chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon.
- Cell Membrane: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.
Applications
Small molecules have a wide range of applications in biology and medicine. They are often used as research tools in cell biology to probe the function of various cellular components. In medicine, small molecules are often used as drugs to treat diseases, with many pharmaceutical drugs being small molecules.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Small molecule
- Wikipedia's article - Small molecule
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