DRUG RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A drug receptor is a specialized protein molecule located on the surface of cells or within the cell itself that has a specific shape and function, allowing it to selectively bind to drugs or other chemical substances. The drug receptor is an integral part of the body's signaling system and plays a pivotal role in mediating the effects of drugs on cellular functions.
When a drug enters the body, it interacts with specific drug receptors in a lock-and-key manner. This interaction leads to a change in the receptor's shape, which triggers a cascade of events within the cell. These events can either enhance or inhibit certain biochemical processes, thereby altering the normal functioning of the cell and ultimately influencing the overall physiological response.
Drug receptors are highly specific, meaning that each drug has a preferred receptor site with which it interacts. The affinity, or strength, of the drug-receptor interaction determines the extent of the pharmacological effect produced. Additionally, the number and distribution of receptors throughout the body can vary, influencing the drug's potency and where it exerts its effects.
Understanding drug receptors is crucial in the field of pharmacology, as it allows scientists to design drugs that target specific receptors for desired therapeutic outcomes. By manipulating drug-receptor interactions, researchers aim to develop medications that can effectively treat diseases, manage symptoms, or minimize adverse effects. Additionally, studying drug receptors helps in predicting drug-drug interactions and identifying potential side effects, aiding in the assessment of drug safety profiles.
Common Misspellings for DRUG RECEPTOR
- srug receptor
- xrug receptor
- crug receptor
- frug receptor
- rrug receptor
- erug receptor
- deug receptor
- ddug receptor
- dfug receptor
- dtug receptor
- d5ug receptor
- d4ug receptor
- dryg receptor
- drhg receptor
- drjg receptor
- drig receptor
- dr8g receptor
- dr7g receptor
- druf receptor
- druv receptor
Etymology of DRUG RECEPTOR
The term "drug receptor" is composed of two main words: "drug" and "receptor".
1. Drug: The word "drug" originated from the Middle English word "drogge", which came from the Old French word "drogue", meaning "medicine, substance having medicinal properties". The Old French word was derived from the Late Latin word "droga", which referred to "a substance used in chemistry or pharmaceutics". This Latin term was originally borrowed from the Arabic word "dā'wah", meaning "medicine" or "cure".
2. Receptor: The word "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptor", which means "receiver".
Similar spelling words for DRUG RECEPTOR
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