Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Induced-Fit Binding: How Substrates Activate Enzymes

Word Count Emoji
398 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

The basics 🚀

Enzymes are like nature's speed-dating service! They bring substrates together at their active site to make the magic happen. This union makes chemical reactions go faster.

Think of an enzyme-substrate relationship like a basketball game 🏀

Approaching the Active Site: When a basketball player tries to shoot, they don’t always aim directly at the hoop. They adjust as they get closer. Similarly, a substrate approaches an enzyme in a random direction, but as it gets close, the enzyme's surface lures it in, guiding it to the active site.

The old 'key & lock' model 🔑

  • Once upon a time, we thought of enzymes and substrates like keys and locks - a perfect fit from the start.
  • 🚫 But wait! That's not exactly right. When the substrate comes close, both it and the enzyme's active site change shape a bit. Imagine trying to fit a slightly bent key into a lock, and the lock adjusts itself to accommodate. This shape-shifting act is what we call Induced-fit binding.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Induced-Fit Binding: How Substrates Activate Enzymes

Word Count Emoji
398 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

The basics 🚀

Enzymes are like nature's speed-dating service! They bring substrates together at their active site to make the magic happen. This union makes chemical reactions go faster.

Think of an enzyme-substrate relationship like a basketball game 🏀

Approaching the Active Site: When a basketball player tries to shoot, they don’t always aim directly at the hoop. They adjust as they get closer. Similarly, a substrate approaches an enzyme in a random direction, but as it gets close, the enzyme's surface lures it in, guiding it to the active site.

The old 'key & lock' model 🔑

  • Once upon a time, we thought of enzymes and substrates like keys and locks - a perfect fit from the start.
  • 🚫 But wait! That's not exactly right. When the substrate comes close, both it and the enzyme's active site change shape a bit. Imagine trying to fit a slightly bent key into a lock, and the lock adjusts itself to accommodate. This shape-shifting act is what we call Induced-fit binding.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟