Final answer:
Organic chemistry is central to drug discovery and the development of novel medicines because it deals with the study and modification of carbon-containing compounds, which are fundamental to most pharmaceuticals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of chemistry that would likely help in drug discovery or the development of novel medicines is organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is pivotal in pharmaceuticals because it involves the study of carbon-containing compounds, which are the basis of most drugs. As drugs can either be found in nature or synthesized in laboratories, organic chemists work to isolate potential drugs, modify their structures, and enhance their safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, they are also responsible for understanding the mode of action of drugs. While other types of chemistry, such as analytical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, also play a role in understanding the composition and properties of drugs, it is organic chemistry that is directly involved in the creation and modification of the molecular structures that make up pharmaceuticals.