In designing a drug to function as an antagonist of a natural ligand in the human body, a pharmaceutical chemist would focus on mimicking which aspect of the natural ligand?
A) Mass
B) Number of atoms
C) Orientation of functional groups
D) Number of chemical bonds
E) Density

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orientation of functional groups on the natural ligand is important for its interaction with its receptor. Mimicking this aspect of the ligand would allow the antagonist to bind to the receptor and prevent the natural ligand from binding, without activating the receptor itself. Mass, number of atoms, number of chemical bonds, and density are not necessarily important for the antagonist's function.

In Designing a Drug to Function as an Antagonist of a Natural