chemical conjugation

Introduction

The joining together of 2 compounds, especially covalent modification of lipophilic molecules with polar or ionic substituent(s). Conjugation thus serves to increase aqueous solubility for excretion of lipophilic compounds such as steroids, certain drugs or toxins.

Substituents include:

• glucuronide
• sulfate
• glycine
• taurine

Conjugation also refers to binding of anions with cations to neutralize charge for salts in non polar environments or as crystals.

More general terms

• chemistry
• conjugation

More specific terms

• protein conjugation