. A researcher wants to develop a new pharmaceutical compound to treat pain. Which of the following strategies will likely be the most effective process?

A. Test extracts from newly discovered plants for pain-killing substances.

B. Read anthropological studies to discover plants identified to relieve pain.

C. Study molecular structures of existing pain medications and make structural analogs.

D. Research the pain receptors of people who have unusually high pain thresholds.

I think it is C

I agree

To determine which strategy is likely to be the most effective process for developing a new pharmaceutical compound to treat pain, let's evaluate each option:

A. Test extracts from newly discovered plants for pain-killing substances.
This strategy involves exploring newly discovered plants to identify potential pain-relieving substances. It can be time-consuming and involves screening numerous plant extracts, which may or may not yield positive results. While there is potential for discovering new compounds, it may not be the most efficient approach.

B. Read anthropological studies to discover plants identified to relieve pain.
This strategy involves reviewing anthropological studies to identify plants that have been traditionally used to alleviate pain. While this approach may provide valuable information about traditional remedies, it may not guarantee the discovery of new compounds or provide detailed scientific data.

C. Study molecular structures of existing pain medications and make structural analogs.
This strategy involves analyzing the molecular structures of existing pain medications and creating similar, yet potentially more effective, compounds by making structural analogs. This approach makes use of existing knowledge and can offer a more targeted and efficient method for developing new pharmaceutical compounds for pain treatment, making it a strong contender.

D. Research the pain receptors of people who have unusually high pain thresholds.
This strategy involves studying the pain receptors of individuals who exhibit high pain thresholds and exploring potential underlying mechanisms. While this research can provide insights into pain perception and potential targets for pain treatment, it may not directly lead to the development of a new pharmaceutical compound.

Considering these options, it is ultimately up to the researcher to decide which strategy aligns best with their resources, expertise, and goals. However, option C - studying molecular structures of existing pain medications and making structural analogs - is a common and proven approach in pharmaceutical research, making it likely to be the most effective process for developing a new pharmaceutical compound to treat pain.