4 Questions
Which of the following best describes a natural product?
A chemical compound found in nature with biological activity
What types of compounds are usually considered as natural products?
Naturally-occurring small organic compounds, heterocyclic compounds, and peptides
How are natural products used in pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug design?
As a source of chemical compounds with potential pharmacological activity
What is the molecular weight range for natural products?
~150
Study Notes
Natural Products
- A natural product is a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism, such as a plant, animal, or microorganism.
Types of Natural Products
- Natural products can be small molecules, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenes, or biological macromolecules, like proteins and polysaccharides.
- They can also include complex mixtures, like crude extracts from plants or animals.
Use in Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Design
- Natural products have played a significant role in the discovery of new drugs, with many medicines being derived from or inspired by natural products.
- They serve as leads for drug design, providing a starting point for optimization and modification to create new pharmaceuticals.
Molecular Weight Range
- The molecular weight range for natural products is typically between 100-2,000 Da (dalton), with most falling in the 200-500 Da range.
Test your knowledge of natural product chemistry with this quiz. Explore the chemical characteristics of naturally-occurring small organic compounds, including heterocyclic compounds and peptides, and their role in pharmaceutical drug discovery and design.
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