pienimolekyyleisistä
Pienimolekyyleisistä, known in English as small molecules, refers to a class of low molecular weight organic compounds. These molecules are typically defined by their molecular weight being less than 900 Daltons. Small molecules are ubiquitous in nature and play crucial roles in biological processes, serving as neurotransmitters, hormones, and signaling molecules. In the context of pharmacology and drug discovery, "pienimolekyylinen lääkeaine" refers to a drug that is a small molecule. These drugs can often be administered orally, as they are able to cross cell membranes.
The development of small molecule drugs has a long history. Many traditional medicines are derived from natural