Question

What is the difference between full and partial agonists?

Answer 1

Full agonists fully activate a receptor and produce a maximum response, while partial agonists produce a submaximal response.

Step-by-step explanation:

Full agonists are drugs that fully activate a receptor and produce a maximum response. They have a high affinity for the receptor and can fully activate it, leading to a strong biological effect. Examples of full agonists include morphine and oxycodone.

Partial agonists also activate receptors but produce a submaximal response, even at high doses. They have a lower affinity for the receptor compared to full agonists and do not fully activate the receptor. Buprenorphine, used in treating opioid addiction, is an example of a partial agonist.

Key differences:

1. Activity: Full agonists fully activate a receptor and produce a maximum response, while partial agonists produce a submaximal response.
2. Affinity: Full agonists have a higher affinity for the receptor compared to partial agonists.
3. Biological effect: Full agonists produce a strong biological effect, while partial agonists produce a weaker effect.