1. atoms, ions, or molecules that bind to a central metal atom or ion in a coordination compound
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry
2. molecules that bind specifically to receptor sites on proteins or other biological molecules
Usage: biochemistry; pharmacology

Examples

• The metal complex contains six water molecules as ligands.
• Chloride ions act as ligands in this coordination compound.
• The drug functions by blocking specific ligands from binding to receptors.
• Researchers studied how different ligands affect protein structure.
• Carbon monoxide can serve as a ligand in organometallic chemistry.
• The enzyme’s activity depends on which ligands are bound to its active site.