Different ligand molecules with similar structures that bind to the same receptor and stimulate a response from the target cell are known as a
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is agonists.
Agonists are molecules, often ligands, that bind to specific receptors on a target cell and induce a biological response. These molecules have a similar structure to one another and bind to the same receptor. Once bound to the receptor, they activate the receptor, which leads to a cascade of events inside the cell, resulting in a physiological response. Agonists can be natural substances like hormones, neurotransmitters, or drugs that mimic the action of a natural molecule.
Receptors are proteins located on the surface of or inside target cells. They act as the cell’s “communication system,” receiving signals from the outside world, such as molecules released by other cells. When a ligand (the molecule that binds to the receptor) attaches to the receptor, it can either activate or block the receptor’s function. In the case of an agonist, the binding results in the activation of the receptor, which then triggers downstream effects within the cell.
Different agonists that share similar structures may bind to the same receptor. For example, neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are all different agonists that bind to specific receptors in the nervous system and elicit different effects. However, they share some structural similarities, which enable them to bind to similar sites on their respective receptors.
In some cases, agonists can be used therapeutically to mimic the effects of naturally occurring molecules in the body. For instance, synthetic agonists might be used to treat conditions like asthma by activating certain receptors to cause bronchodilation. However, the precise action of an agonist depends on its interaction with the receptor and the type of cell it is targeting.