Molecular recognition is the process by which molecules interact with each other through specific binding. This interaction is often driven by non-covalent forces, such as hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, and van der Waals forces. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including enzyme-substrate binding and antibody-antigen interactions. In addition to biology, molecular recognition is important in fields like drug design and materials science. By understanding how molecules recognize and bind to each other, scientists can develop more effective medications and create new materials with desired properties.