Chapter 1-4 Vocabulary: Small Molecule Drugs

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on small molecule drugs, their sources, mechanisms, and examples.

Small molecule

A chemical compound used as a drug, typically non-biological, that can be produced synthetically or derived from natural sources; accounts for the majority of FDA-approved drugs.

Biologics

Large, complex therapies (such as proteins, cell therapies, gene therapies, and antisense oligonucleotides) that are not small molecules.

Drug discovery

The process of identifying active compounds from natural sources, often starting from anecdotal evidence, then purifying and testing the active ingredient.

Drug development

The laboratory process of creating a small molecule in a step-by-step synthesis to become a usable drug.

Natural sources

Origin of many small molecules found in nature, e.g., Taxol from Pacific Yew bark and penicillin from Penicillium fungi.

Artificial synthesis

Creating small molecules in the lab using mathematical models, computer simulations, and chemical reactions.

Taxol

A well-known cancer drug derived from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree.

Penicillin

A famous antibiotic derived from Penicillium fungi.

Active ingredient

The component of a drug responsible for its therapeutic effect.

Proteins

Cellular proteins that act like machines in the cell, transforming materials and transporting cargo; they interact with small molecules.

80,400 proteins

Estimated number of different protein types in the human body, each with a specific function.

Prostaglandin

A hormone-like signaling molecule produced from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase, involved in inflammation.

Arachidonic acid

A fatty acid substrate that cyclooxygenase converts into prostaglandin, contributing to inflammation.

Cyclooxygenase

Enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandin; target of aspirin inhibition.

Aspirin

A widely used small molecule drug that relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and acts as a blood thinner by inhibiting cyclooxygenase.

Inhibition

Blocking of a protein's function by a small molecule; a common mechanism of action for small molecule drugs.

Inflammation

The body's protective response which can become excessive and is reduced by aspirin through lowered prostaglandin production.