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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

<ul>
	<li>What is it? It&#39;s a specific region on the enzyme where substrate molecules come to bind.</li>
	<li>Why is it Special? Its unique shape &amp; chemical properties ensure only the right substrate fits, a bit like Cinderella&rsquo;s glass slipper!</li>
	<li>Key Term: Enzyme&ndash;substrate specificity - The picky nature of enzymes choosing which substrate to bind with.</li>
</ul>

Real-World Example: Imagine a lock and key. The lock (active site) will only open with the right key (substrate). No other key will work!

<ul>
	<li>Some enzymes are super picky (think, eating only one type of pizza for life):
	<ul>
		<li>Glucokinase: Only dances with glucose. 💃</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Some enzymes aren&#39;t so picky and have a variety:
	<ul>
		<li>Hexokinase: Can tango with any of the hexose sugars. 🕺</li>
		<li>Proteases: The party animals! They can rock with a range of polypeptides, no matter the amino acid sequence.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Real-World Example: It&#39;s like ice cream shops. Some shops only sell vanilla (super picky), while others offer a variety of flavors (less specific).

<ul>
	<li>Enzymes are proteins sculpted into a unique 3D shape. Think of them as delicate snowflakes.</li>
	<li>What holds them together? A gentle embrace of weak interactions, such as hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds.</li>
	<li>What messes them up? Heat, acidity, and other factors can make them lose their shape.</li>
</ul>

Real-World Example: Consider a delicate chocolate sculpture. Even a slight increase in temperature can make it melt and lose its form.

<ul>
	<li>Even tiny changes far away from the active site can have a butterfly effect. It can ruin the enzyme&#39;s ability to bind with substrates or its catalytic function.</li>
	<li>If these changes are major and irreversible, the enzyme has its worst nightmare: Denaturation. It&#39;s like the enzyme had a really bad hair day it can&#39;t fix!</li>
</ul>

Real-World Example: Think of a crumpled paper. Even if you try to smooth it out, it&#39;s never the same as before. That&#39;s how a denatured enzyme feels!

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Remember, enzymes may seem tricky, but they&#39;re just proteins trying to find their perfect match!&nbsp;

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Happy Studying! 🎉

Active Site Structure Enzyme Specificity & Denaturation

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Higher Level

Biology HL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Active Site Structure Enzyme Specificity & Denaturation

Table of content

The active site & its matchmaker role 🧩

The spectrum of pickiness in enzymes 📌

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Active Site Structure Enzyme Specificity & Denaturation

Table of content

The active site & its matchmaker role 🧩

The spectrum of pickiness in enzymes 📌

Unlock the Full Content!