In target-centered design, why might assays be easier to devise?

In target-centered design, why might assays be easier to devise?

• A. Because the target is unknown.
• B. Because the target is known.
• C. Because assays are never used.
• D. Because it relies on natural products.

Answer: (B)

When the target is known, you can design an assay that directly measures interaction with that specific target—such as its binding, its enzymatic activity, or the downstream signal it controls. This direct, target-specific readout makes choosing the right assay format, detection method, and conditions straightforward and reliable, so devising the assay is easier. If the target were unknown, you’d have to rely on broader, non-targeted screens with less specific readouts, which is much harder to translate into a robust, repeatable assay. The other options don’t fit because assays are indeed used and because the ease comes from knowing the target, not from relying on natural products or from the target being unknown.

When the target is known, you can design an assay that directly measures interaction with that specific target—such as its binding, its enzymatic activity, or the downstream signal it controls. This direct, target-specific readout makes choosing the right assay format, detection method, and conditions straightforward and reliable, so devising the assay is easier. If the target were unknown, you’d have to rely on broader, non-targeted screens with less specific readouts, which is much harder to translate into a robust, repeatable assay. The other options don’t fit because assays are indeed used and because the ease comes from knowing the target, not from relying on natural products or from the target being unknown.