Protein ligand binding

Protein-ligand binding refers to the interaction between a protein, which is a large molecule that performs various functions in the body, and a ligand, a smaller molecule that can attach to the protein. This binding is often likened to a lock and key, where the protein is the lock and the ligand is the key that fits into it. When they bind, they change shape or activity, which can trigger various biological processes. This interaction is crucial for many functions, including signaling, metabolism, and immune responses, influencing how cells communicate and respond to their environment.