BCH 261 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Electric Field, Electronegativity, Ammonia

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Biochemistry
• Course: BCH 261
• Professor: Costin Antonescu

Document Summary

Biochemistry- the study of biological molecules and their structure, function, inter-conversion, and energetics. The biological molecules that makes up cells include: Fentanyl is a drug that was the leading cause of death and is stronger than heroin. Fentanyl has an affinity to non-covalently bind to the -opioid receptors to activate the receptors: this activation activates gtpase proteins that lead to changes in neurons where the end result is a reduction i the sensation of pain. Fentanyl binds more tightly to that receptor than morphine and other natural brain hormones like endorphins. Therefore it can be dangerous even in very low doses because of its very high affinity to bind to the receptor. The -opioid receptors control pain sensation as well breathing, cardiac function, and can therefore cause cardiac or respiratory arrest (if overdose of fentanyl occurs) 2. 1 the importance of noncovalent interactions in biochemistry.