In
chemistry, 'analogs' or 'analogues' are
compounds in which one or more individual
atoms have been replaced, either with a different atom, or with a different
functional group. Another use of the term in chemistry refers to a substance which is similar in structure to another substance. Analogues can sometimes cause complications when they have much differing functions from the compared substance. For instance, a person could have a Cyanocobalamin (
Vitamin B12) deficiency, but it may not show up in a
Blood Test if
cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) analogues are present.
Pharmaceuticals are one area in which a
lead compound found to have activity is elaborated by creating a family of analogs. Also transition state analogs are similar to the transition state in a enzyme catalysed reaction, but are not converted to the product themselves. Binding of transition state anologs allows scientists to learn more about the nature of enzyme catalysed reactions.