Dictionary > Antagonist

Antagonist

Definition
noun, plural: antagonists
A biological structure or chemical agent that interferes with the physiological action of another
Supplement
Examples of antagonists are drugs that bind to cell receptors that prevent the agonists from eliciting a biological response. Other biological antagonists are muscles that occur in pairs. An antagonist muscle opposes the action of the agonist muscle, thus, helps in regulating movements.
Word origin: Greek antagonistes (an opponent)
Compare:

Related term(s):

  • antagonism
  • antagonistic effect
  • Associated antagonist
  • Competitive antagonist
  • Folate antagonist
  • Enzyme antagonist


  • You will also like...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..