ligand

[ lahy-guhnd, lig-uhnd ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor.
2. Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.

ligand

/ ˈlaɪ-; ˈlɪɡənd /

noun

1. chem an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

1945–50; < Latin ligandus, gerund of ligāre to bind, tie

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligand¹

C20: from Latin ligandum, gerund of ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

HydF plays a role during the synthesis of a ligand that is essential for the delivery of protons for hydrogen turnover.

From Science Daily

Hongbo Xu and colleagues used MOFs in their electrochromic film because of the crystalline substances' abilities to form thin films with pore sizes that can be customized by changing the length of the organic ligand that binds to the metal ion.

From Science Daily

This work was primarily co-sponsored by DOE's Office of Science for ligand synthesis, lanthanide complexation studies, crystallization processes, spectroscopic analyses and simulation efforts.

From Science Daily

However recent studies have sown doubt about the accuracy of AlphaFold2 in modeling ligand binding sites, the areas on proteins where drugs attach and begin signaling inside cells to cause a therapeutic effect, as well as possible side effects.

From Science Daily

GalNAc conjugate therapies, which attach siRNA molecules to the ligand to deliver therapies inside cells, are already on the market for conditions such as hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily