Protein–Ligand Binding Equilibria
Robert A. Copeland · 2000
In this chapter the author explores the binding interactions that occur between macromolecules, such as proteins (e.g., enzymes) and other molecules, generally of lower molecular weight. He broadly defines the smaller molecular weight partner in the binding interaction as the ligand (L) and the macromolecular binding partner as the receptor (R). Mathematical expressions are derived to describe these interactions quantitatively. Graphical methods for representing experimental data are presented that allow one to determine the equilibrium constant associated with complex dissociation. The chapter concludes with a brief survey of experimental methods for studying protein–ligand interactions.