In: Biology
A drug that will bind to serotonin receptors only when given at very high doses, and binds to glutamate receptors only when given at really low doses likely has a ___ for serotonin receptors and ___ for glutamate receptors.
a) low affinity / low affinity
b) high affinity/high affinity
c) low affinity / high
d) high/ low
(CORRECT ANSWER) (OPTION C)
(EXPLANATION) The serotonin receptor has a low affinity for the drug as it is able to bind to the former only when it is present in high concentrations whereas the glutamate receptor has a high affinity for the drug as a low amount of it is also be able to bind to the latter receptor. Hence, this option is correct.
(EXPLANATION FOR INCORRECT ANSWER) (OPTION A) If a receptor has a low affinity for a drug it means that a high amount of it would be required in order for it to bind with the receptor. In this case, the serotonin receptor has a low affinity for the drug but not the glutamate receptor. Hence, this option is incorrect.
(EXPLANATION FOR INCORRECT ANSWER) (OPTION B) If a receptor has a high affinity for a particular drug it means that a small concentration of the drug would be sufficient in order for it to bind to the receptor. In this case, the glutamate receptor has a high affinity for the drug but not the serotonin receptor. Hence, this option is incorrect.
(EXPLANATION FOR INCORRECT ANSWER) (OPTION D) As explained above, the concept of receptors having high or low affinity for a particular molecule or drug. In this case serotonin receptor has low affinity whereas glutamate receptor has high affinity for the drug. hence, this option is incorrect.