Category: Biochemistry

Synthesized in nearly every cell of the human body, prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds with diverse, hormone-like effects [1.8.4, 1.3.5]. While there isn't one single other name for prostaglandin, they are a prominent member of a larger class of signaling molecules called **eicosanoids** [1.2.4].

Approximately 95% of all known receptors are proteins, and the precise way drugs bind to them determines their therapeutic effect. This is governed by the chemical forces involved, defining what are the three major types of drug receptor bonds.

An estimated 90% of drug candidates that enter clinical trials ultimately fail [1.8.2]. To improve success rates, researchers rely on key metrics like the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). So, what is the interpretation of IC50 values, and how does it guide drug discovery?

Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant, but the vast majority exist only in trace amounts. These lesser-known compounds, known as minor or **what are the rarest cannabinoids**, are emerging as the next frontier in cannabis research, offering unique effects that differ significantly from common THC and CBD.

Carbonic anhydrases are a ubiquitous family of metalloenzymes found in nearly every organ of the body, and medications that target them are vital for treating several conditions. Understanding **what is the mechanism of action of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors** reveals how these drugs can have wide-ranging effects on fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

Carnosine is a dipeptide found in high concentrations in human muscle and brain tissues. When discussing supplements and health, is there a difference between carnosine and L-carnosine? The answer lies in their chemical structure and biological activity.

As the body's 'master antioxidant,' glutathione plays a pivotal role in cellular defense, yet many people wonder: Does glutathione react with anything?. Yes, its chemical reactivity is central to its function, as it is designed to neutralize a wide range of compounds from free radicals to pharmaceuticals.

First isolated from wool grease, the compound **lanosterol** is a crucial tetracyclic triterpenoid and precursor to all steroids in animals and fungi. It also has a lesser-known, intriguing alternative name: **kryptosterol**.

In both plants and animals, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is the essential starting point for the production of all tetrapyrrole compounds, including the vital pigment heme. This central role is exploited in medicine, where understanding what is the function of aminolevulinic acid is key to its use in cancer treatment and diagnosis.

First isolated in 1941 from the crude latex of the *Carica papaya* fruit, **what is chymopapain made of** is a natural proteolytic enzyme, historically known for its use in a procedure called chemonucleolysis.