Which of the following best describes a key limitation of phenotypic screening in the drug discovery process?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks: Which of the following best describes a key limitation of phenotypic screening in the drug discovery process?
Given data shows only one answer option provided: 'Phenotypic screening does not provide information on the mechanism of action or the specific target of a compound.'
First, consider the nature of phenotypic screening: it observes the observable effects of compounds on cells, tissues, or organisms without requiring prior knowledge of the molecular target. This approach is powerful for identifying compounds with desirable phenotypes, including novel mechanisms, but it often lacks immediate information about how the compound works at the molecular level.
Now, evaluate the single option provided:
- Option: 'Phenotypic screening does not provide information on the mechanism of action or the specific target of a compound.' This statement correctly identifies a well-known limitation: while you can see a biological effect, the exact molecular target and mechanism are often unknown after a phenotypic screen. Researchers typically need follow-up studies (target deconvolution, mechanistic assays, omics, genetics, or chemoproteomics) to identify the mechanism of action. Therefore, this option accurately describes a key limitation.
Since there are no additional options to assess, there is nothing to compare against this statement. However, in a broader context, other potential limitations of phenotypic screening (compared to target-based approaches) can include lower hit-to-lead efficiency for mechanism elucidation, potential species- or model-specific effects, and sometimes difficulties in translating in vitro phenotypes to human biology; these points would be considered as complementary limitations if they were present as candidate answers.
In summary, the presented option correctly identifies a central drawback of phenotypic screening—the lack of direct information about mechanism of action or specific molecular targets after a screen, which necessitates further deconvolution work to progress a compound through the discovery pipeline.

2254 BIOSC 1544 SEC1000 Quiz #13: Small Molecule Drugs

Which of the following best describes a key limitation of phenotypic screening in the drug discovery process?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

What is a key feature of the TDR Targets database that makes it particularly useful for drug discovery in neglected diseases?

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

Which of the following statement regarding cost is correct:

Under the assumptions used in cost-volume-profit analysis, as the activity increases:

The CVP and break-even analysis are supported by a range of important assumptions. Which of the following is not an assumption of the CVP:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler