A drug target is a specific molecule within the body, commonly a protein or gene, that a drug interacts with to produce a therapeutic effect. Identifying drug targets is a crucial step in drug discovery and development, as it allows researchers to design medications that can precisely modulate biological processes involved in diseases. Drug targets can include enzymes, receptors, ion channels, or nucleic acids. By binding to these targets, drugs can alter their activity, leading to desired changes in cell function or disease progression. Understanding drug targets also helps in predicting side effects and improving drug safety.