title: Molecular recognition--viewed through the eyes of the solvent.
abstract: The binding of a ligand L to a specific site on an adsorbent molecule P is usually studied within the lock-and-key model. In this article we argue that the presence of an aqueous solvent may change dramatically the means by which a ligand recognizes its binding site. The main factor, originating from the specific property of water, is the ability of a water molecule to form a hydrogen-bond-bridge between a functional group on L and a functional group on P. This factor will change the criterion for selecting the best binding site.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Chemistry, The Hebrew University, University Plaza, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. arieh@batata.fh.huji.ac.il
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ben-Naim
mesh_terms: D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents