Navigation Menu Search PhysiologyWeb
PhysiologyWeb Logo
PhysiologyWeb
  Home  |  FAQ  |  About  |  Contact  |   - Sign In
 Search PhysiologyWeb
   
Home > Glossary > A > Agonist

Glossary of Physiology Terms -
Agonist

— share —
Share on Facebook    Share on X    Share on LinkedIn    Share on Pinterest    Share on Reddit    Email    Copy URL

Agonist

Definition:
An agonist is a molecule that binds to a receptor and activates a physiological response similar to that induced by the naturally occurring physiological ligand of the receptor. Therefore, agonist binding to a receptor mimics the action of the natural ligand.

For example, acetylcholine (ACh) is the naturally occurring physiological ligand that activates nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine is an agonist of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChR), and muscarine is an agonist of muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChR).

Related glossary terms/phrases:
Antagonist




Posted: Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Last updated: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
— share —
Share on Facebook    Share on X    Share on LinkedIn    Share on Pinterest    Share on Reddit    Email    Copy URL