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...

    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..

    Wart-like leaf galls on grape leaves
    Plant Cell Defense

    Plants protect themselves by releasing hydrogen peroxide to fight against fungal invasion. Another way is by secreting c..

    Balanced Diet
    A Balanced Diet – Minerals and Proteins

    Proteins and minerals can be derived from various dietary sources. They are essential for the proper growth and developm..

    Neurology of Illusions
    Neurology of Illusions

    Illusions are the perceptions and sensory data obtained from situations in which human error prevents us from seeing the..

    Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
    Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

    Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..

    Origins of Life on Earth
    Origins of Life on Earth

    Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..