---
title: "Ligand: research glossary | Sable Peptides"
description: "A ligand is a molecule that binds to a specific site on a target protein, such as a receptor or enzyme. Peptide ligands can act as agonists, antagonists or"
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/glossary/ligand
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

Glossary

# Ligand

A ligand is a molecule that binds to a specific site on a target protein, such as a receptor or enzyme. Peptide ligands can act as agonists, antagonists or modulators. Ligand binding is characterised by affinity, measured by the dissociation constant, and by selectivity across related targets.

Source: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligand_\(biochemistry\))

## Related terms

-   [Peptide](/glossary/peptide)
-   [Receptor](/glossary/receptor)
-   [Dissociation constant](/glossary/dissociation-constant)

[Back to glossary A–Z](/glossary/terms)

All Sable Peptides products are supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for consumption.