Väikesemolekulaarsed

Väikesemolekulaarsed refers to small molecules, a term commonly used in chemistry and biology. Small molecules are characterized by their relatively low molecular weight, typically under 900 Daltons. This size distinction is important in various scientific contexts. In pharmacology, "small molecule drugs" are a major class of therapeutics, distinct from biologics like antibodies or proteins. These drugs are often administered orally and can penetrate cell membranes due to their size. Their synthesis is generally more straightforward than that of large biomolecules.

In cell biology, small molecules play crucial roles as signaling molecules, metabolites, and building blocks for larger structures. Examples include hormones, neurotransmitters, and amino acids. The study of small molecules, or small molecule chemistry, is fundamental to understanding biological processes and developing new chemical entities for research and therapeutic purposes. The ability of small molecules to interact with specific cellular targets makes them valuable tools for probing biological pathways and for drug discovery efforts. Their prevalence in both natural biological systems and synthetic chemistry underscores their significance across scientific disciplines.