Biomacromolecule-ligand Interactions

Biomacromolecule-ligand interactions describe the physical and chemical interactions that occur between biomacromolecules (such as proteins, DNA and RNA) and small molecules called ligands (such as ions, small molecules, and peptides). These interactions play an important role in life processes, and are important to drug development and design. Biomacromolecules, in particular proteins and nucleic acids, have a variety of binding sites and shapes which enable them to bind to ligands and control the movement and function of molecules within the cell. Understanding biomacromolecule-ligand interactions gives us insight into how cells function and how medicine might be better designed to treat diseases.