Chapter 24, Problem 5RQ

What holds a drug to its receptor site?

To determine

The holding of drugsto its receptor site.

Answer to Problem 5RQ

A drug is held in the receptor site with the help of molecular attraction such as hydrogen bonding. Since the molecular force are much weaker, the drug is held to the receptor in a temporary manner.

Explanation of Solution

The fitting of drugs into its receptor site can be explained with the help of lock-and-key model. It states that drug molecules function in the receptor site. In the receptor site they are held with the help of hydrogen bonding or other molecular forces. The drug molecule is held into a receptor site as the key gets held in the lock.Also we know that the molecular attraction forces are very weak forces as a result of which the drug molecule is held only temporarily to the receptor site.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the drug is held to its receptor site in a temporary manner with the help of molecular attraction or forces e.g. hydrogen bonding.