Synthetic Multivalent Molecules
Concepts and Biomedical Applications
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
1.1 NOMENCLATURE AND DEFINITIONS
1.1.1 Valency
According to Mammen et al., the valency of a molecule, or that of a biological
entity such as a cell, virus, or bacterium, represents the number of separate
structural units of the same or a similar type that are connected to the
molecule or entity. Thus, if a molecule presents two tethered, identical copies of
binding elements, such as a ligand, it is classified as a divalent molecule (ligand).
Schematic examples are provided in Figure 1.1 to describe the concept
of valency in the context of receptor and ligand interaction. For example, divalent
binding occurs when a divalent ligand associates with a divalent receptor
through the simultaneous interaction established between two receptor-ligand
pairs. Similarly, multivalent ... read full excerpt from Synthetic Multivalent Molecules: Concepts and Biomedical Applications ebook
