Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190209896
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 6, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The features of an enzyme structure that makes it specific for a specific substrate.

Introduction:

Enzymes are chemically proteins in their folded tertiary structure and contain specific active sites. Hexokinase belongs to a class of enzyme that catalyzes the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)dependent phosphorylation of certain hexoses (six carbon sugars). They only bind to sugar thatis in D-form. The interaction between enzyme and substrate is highly specific.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Every enzyme has an active site, which is specific for a specific substrate. This can be illustrated by the lock and key model. A particular key can open a particular lock, likewise a particular enzyme can catalyze a particular substrate. This is the most important feature of enzyme specificity. Incase of hexokinase, they have an active site that is specific for only D-form of hexose sugars. Both substrate and enzyme have complementary structures, which facilitate their interaction.

Specificity of the enzyme depends upon the interaction of active site amino acids with the substrate. Some enzymes requirenonprotein components called cofactors for their activity. The cofactors may be ions, such as Mg2+ or Zn2+. Thesemay also be complex organic molecules called coenzymes. Cofactors and coenzymes also enhance the functioning of specific enzymes by making the active site more favorable for binding of substrates.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that the enzyme has an active sit, ehich has the structure complementary to the specific substrate. This is like a lock and key. There are cofactors and coenzymes that are also responsible for the specificity of the enzyme.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Show work. don't give Ai generated solution....give correct solution
Biochemistry What is the process of "transamination" in either the muscles or the liver, that involves keto acid or glutamic acid? Please explain how the steps work. Thank you!
Biochemistry Please help. Thank you What is the importance of glutamic acid in the metabolism of nitrogen from amino acids? (we know therole; it’s used to remove the nitrogen from amino acids so that the remaining carbon skeleton can bebroken down by the “usual” pathways, but what is the important, unique role that only glutamicacid/glutamate can do?)

Chapter 6 Solutions

Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...
Biology
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Curren'S Math For Meds: Dosages & Sol
Nursing
ISBN:9781305143531
Author:CURREN
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168130
Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Publisher:OpenStax College