ABSTRACT
Molecular recognition underpins every aspect of life, from the replication of the genome through genetic transcription and protein translation to the assembly and integrity of complex multicellular organisms such as humans. Drugs, which may modify any of these processes, also derive their actions by the absolute control of molecular recognition. Understanding the underlying physical basis for an association between drugs and their receptors is paramount to the ultimate task of drug design, that of predicting affinities of new drugs. This is a formidable challenge requiring a detailed knowledge of the physical forces that comprise drug-receptor interactions, and an understanding of the thermodynamic backdrop of the association, to ultimately determine the strength of drugreceptor interactions.
