Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select and catalyze a specific substrate among many substrates.
What are the types of enzyme specificity?
The main types of enzyme specificity are absolute, group, linkage, and stereochemical specificity.
What role does the active site play in enzyme specificity?
The active site of an enzyme is where substrate binding occurs, and it determines the enzyme's specificity due to its unique shape and chemical environment.
How does the 'lock and key' model explain enzyme specificity?
The 'lock and key' model describes enzyme specificity as the enzyme (lock) having a specific shape that only the substrate (key) can fit into.
What is the role of induced fit in enzyme specificity?
Induced fit describes the change in the shape of the enzyme's active site upon substrate binding, enhancing the specificity and catalytic efficiency.
What is an example of absolute enzyme specificity?
Absolute specificity is when an enzyme acts on only one substrate. For instance, urease acts specifically on urea.
Can you explain group specificity with an example?
Group specificity occurs when an enzyme acts on a group of related substrates. For example, hexokinase acts on glucose, fructose, and other six-carbon sugars.
What is linkage specificity in enzymes?
Linkage specificity refers to enzymes acting on specific types of chemical bonds, regardless of other structural portions of the molecule.
How does stereochemical specificity affect enzyme function?
Stereochemical specificity means the enzyme acts on substrates with a specific orientation or spatial arrangement, often regarding isomers.
Why is enzyme specificity important for metabolism?
Enzyme specificity is important for metabolism because it ensures precise regulation and coordination of biochemical reactions, maintaining cellular function.
What factors can affect enzyme specificity?
Factors that affect enzyme specificity include pH, temperature, presence of inhibitors or activators, and mutations in the enzyme's structure.
How can enzymes be engineered to have different specificities?
Enzyme engineering can alter an enzyme's specificity by modifying its active site through techniques like site-directed mutagenesis.
What is an allosteric site, and how does it relate to enzyme specificity?
An allosteric site is a spot other than the active site where molecules can bind, changing the enzyme's shape and function, affecting specificity.
What is competitive inhibition in the context of enzyme specificity?
Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar to the substrate competes for binding at the enzyme's active site, impacting specificity.
How does temperature influence enzyme specificity?
Temperature can influence enzyme specificity by altering the enzyme's shape, potentially affecting substrate binding at the active site.