Ligand binding is a research area within the field of biochemistry and molecular biology that focuses on the interaction between a ligand (molecule) and a protein receptor. This interaction is crucial for various biological processes, as it can regulate signal transduction, enzyme activity, and protein conformation. Researchers in this field study the binding affinity, specificity, and kinetics of ligand-receptor interactions, as well as the structural basis of these interactions. Understanding ligand binding can lead to the development of drugs that target specific proteins, as well as insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Various techniques, such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance, are commonly used to study ligand binding in biochemical research.