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

Active Site Structure Enzyme Specificity & Denaturation

Word Count Emoji
368 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

The active site & its matchmaker role 🧩

  • What is it? It's a specific region on the enzyme where substrate molecules come to bind.
  • Why is it Special? Its unique shape & chemical properties ensure only the right substrate fits, a bit like Cinderella’s glass slipper!
  • Key Term: Enzyme–substrate specificity - The picky nature of enzymes choosing which substrate to bind with.

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!

The spectrum of pickiness in enzymes 📌

  • Some enzymes are super picky (think, eating only one type of pizza for life):
    • Glucokinase: Only dances with glucose. 💃
  • Some enzymes aren't so picky and have a variety:
    • Hexokinase: Can tango with any of the hexose sugars. 🕺
    • Proteases: The party animals! They can rock with a range of polypeptides, no matter the amino acid sequence.

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

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 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Active Site Structure Enzyme Specificity & Denaturation

Word Count Emoji
368 words
Reading Time Emoji
2 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

The active site & its matchmaker role 🧩

  • What is it? It's a specific region on the enzyme where substrate molecules come to bind.
  • Why is it Special? Its unique shape & chemical properties ensure only the right substrate fits, a bit like Cinderella’s glass slipper!
  • Key Term: Enzyme–substrate specificity - The picky nature of enzymes choosing which substrate to bind with.

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!

The spectrum of pickiness in enzymes 📌

  • Some enzymes are super picky (think, eating only one type of pizza for life):
    • Glucokinase: Only dances with glucose. 💃
  • Some enzymes aren't so picky and have a variety:
    • Hexokinase: Can tango with any of the hexose sugars. 🕺
    • Proteases: The party animals! They can rock with a range of polypeptides, no matter the amino acid sequence.

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

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 🌟