A molecule that binds to another molecule, used especially to refer to a small molecule
that binds specifically to a larger molecule, e.g., an antigen binding to an antibody,
a hormone or neurotransmitter binding to a receptor, or a substrate or allosteric
effector binding to an enzyme. Ligands are also molecules that donate or accept a
pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with the central metal atom of
a coordination complex. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
Note générale sur le champ d'application :
IM general only; usually NIM with specific compound IM