Question

Antagonists are compounds that?

1) prevent synthesis of new receptors
2) prevent synthesis of hormones
3) bind to a receptor, activating it
4) bind to a receptor, but do not activate it

Answer 1

Antagonists are compounds that bind to receptors without activating them, blocking the action of neurotransmitters or hormones and thereby decreasing activity in certain neurotransmitter systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antagonists are compounds that bind to a receptor, but do not activate it. They decrease the activity of particular neurotransmitters by either interfering with the synthesis of neurotransmitters or by blocking their receptors so the neurotransmitters cannot bind to them. For instance, a newly discovered antagonist molecule that binds to and blocks plasma membrane receptors will block steroid hormones, such as testosterone, from binding to their receptors, thereby inhibiting testosterone-mediated signaling.