Binding Site

Definition

A binding site is a region on a protein or piece of DNA where a specific molecule, such as another protein or a small chemical compound, can bind. This interaction often results in a change in the function or activity of the protein.

Related terms

Active Site:

The part of an enzyme where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Ligand:

A substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological purpose. In protein-ligand binding, the ligand is usually a molecule which produces a signal by binding to a site on target protein.

Receptor: A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.