The ligands that bind to a receptor, but keep the cell from responding are known as
A) agonists
B) activators
C) antagonists
D) potentiators

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antagonists are ligands that bind to a receptor but do not activate it, and prevent other molecules or ligands from binding to the receptor, resulting in a decrease or inhibition of the cellular response. This is in contrast to agonists, which bind to a receptor and activate it, and potentiators, which enhance the response of the receptor to other ligands. Activators are not a commonly used term in describing ligand-receptor interactions.

The Ligands That Bind to a Receptor, but Keep the Cell