Agonists

Agonists are substances, such as drugs or chemicals, that bind to specific receptors in the body to activate them, producing a biological response. Think of receptors as locks on the surface of cells, and agonists as keys that fit into these locks, opening them to trigger a specific action. For example, certain medications called agonists can activate receptors involved in pain relief, heart rate regulation, or mood. They are used in medicine to mimic natural substances in the body, enhancing or mimicking their effects to treat various conditions.