Page 30 - Medicinal Chemistry Self Assessment

1.5 Drug Binding Interactions 19

3. Each of the three odorant molecules drawn below produces a unique scent on interaction with the
3. Each of the three odorant molecules drawn below produces a unique scent on interaction with the
olfactory receptors. Unlike most biological targets for drug action, olfactory receptors typically have
olfactory receptors. Unlike most biological targets for drug action, olfactory receptors typically have an
an affinity for a wide variety of odorant molecules and can adopt unique conformations to enhance
the affinity of a given odorant for the receptor. Based on the structural features found in each mole-
physiological pH? Indicate which functional group(s) can participate in each of the interactions identified.
cule, what type of interactions are possible with the olfactory receptors at physiological pH? Indicate
which functional group(s) can participate in each of the interactions identified.

Sclareol Nerolidol
(herbal scent) Vanillin (green woody scent)
(green woody scent)

Sclareol Vanillin Nerolidol

Interaction Type Functional Group Interaction Type Functional Group Interaction Type Functional Group
4. There are five basic flavors that our taste receptors detect: salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami
van der Waals, van der Waals, van der Waals,
Hydrophobic Hydrophobic Hydrophobic
(savory). The taste receptors are located on taste buds that are on our tongue, soft palate, epiglottis, and
Hydrogen bond Hydrogen bond Hydrogen bond
(acceptor and donor) (acceptor) (acceptor and donor)

Ion–dipole Hydrogen bond
(as the dipole) (donor)
CO H Ion–dipole
2
(as the dipole)

H 2 N CO H
2

Glutamic Acid Cucumber flavor Green Pepper Flavor
O

N N H
O
H O P N N
H O O O

H O OH

Shitaki Mushrooms
Inosinic Acid