which of the following statements best helps explain the reaction specificity of an enzyme?
Which of the following statements best helps explain the reaction specificity of an enzyme?
To best explain the reaction specificity of an enzyme, consider the following statement:
Answer: The enzyme’s active site is uniquely shaped to fit a specific substrate, similar to a lock and key mechanism.
Explanation:
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Active Site Structure: Enzymes have a specific region called the active site, where the substrate binds. This site is precisely structured to interact with a particular substrate or type of substrate.
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Lock and Key Model: This classic model suggests that just like a key fits into a specific lock, a substrate fits into an enzyme’s active site.
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Induced Fit Model: In addition to the lock and key model, the induced fit model explains that the enzyme can slightly adjust its shape to better fit the substrate upon binding, enhancing specificity.
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Chemical Interactions: Within the active site, specific chemical interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds, further stabilize the enzyme-substrate complex and contribute to specificity.
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Enzyme-Substrate Complementarity: The specificity is further ensured by the complementary shapes and chemical properties between the enzyme and substrate.
Summary: Enzyme specificity is primarily determined by the structure and shape of its active site, which is uniquely configured to interact with a specific substrate or class of substrates.