How enzymes work Flashcards
In the 1890’s the first model of enzyme activity was described by Emil Fischer:
He suggested that both enzymes and substrates were rigid structures that locked into each other very precisely, much like a key going into a lock
This is known as the
Lock and key model
The induced-fit hypothesis
The modified model of enzyme activity is known as the ‘induced-fit hypothesis’
Although it is very similar to the lock and key hypothesis, in this model the enzyme and substrate interact with each other:
DESCRIBE THE INDUCED FIT MODEL
The enzyme and its active site (and sometimes the substrate) can change shape slightly as the substrate molecule enters the enzyme
These changes in shape are known as conformational changes
This ensures an ideal binding arrangement between the enzyme and substrate is achieved
This maximises the ability of the enzyme to catalyse the reaction
