Antagonist, Structural

Name:
Antagonist, Structural
Detailed information:
(antimetabolite).An organic compound that is structurally related to a biologically active substance (enzyme, nucleic acid, amino acid, etc.) and that acts as an inhibitor of its growth and development. Such biological antagonism exists between sulfa drugs and p-aminobenzoic acids, and also between histamine and a group of compounds collectively called antihistamines. One of the most important of these from an agricultural standpoint is imidazole, which, together with similar compounds, is used to “antagonize” the metabolism of insects, especially those attacking fabrics; it is also being used in irrigation waters to protect plants from pests. Structural antagonists have important medical applications in the complex field of allergic disease.See Antihistamine; Anticoagulant; Antigen-antibody.