Protein-ligand binding

Start with binding sites

The mind map on protein binding sites offers a starting point for this page. It connects binding sites with examples including enzymes binding substrates, hormone receptors binding hormones, and immunoglobulins binding antigens. The notes on protein function also introduce ligand binding alongside roles such as transport, recognition and catalysis.

These resources give university students a way to begin studying what proteins bind. Teachers can use them to find examples for discussing protein function.

Practice with quizzes and flashcards

After looking at the binding-site examples, try the quiz on ligand interactions and heme-containing proteins. Another quiz focuses on molecular recognition between a protein and a ligand. The quiz covering human serum albumin includes questions about what the protein can bind and how proteins distinguish between molecules.

The flashcard deck Conformational Changes in Proteins asks about induced fit and allosteric regulation. A separate flashcard deck asks about types of ligands and interactions between proteins and ligands. Use these prompts to practice recalling ideas after studying the notes and mind map.

Connect methods with examples

Methods for Measuring Ligand Binding is a mind map listing approaches such as isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance and equilibrium dialysis. The flashcards on protein interactions also ask how those interactions can be measured.

Working between the methods map and the quizzes can help organize the page's different perspectives: what proteins bind, how they recognize ligands and how interactions may be measured.

Place binding in the unit

This topic is part of a Biochemistry unit on protein structure, folding and function. The binding-site map and protein function notes connect ligand binding to what proteins do, while the conformational-change flashcards bring changes in proteins into the discussion. Explore the resources in an order that suits your study or teaching.