Unit 8- Enzymes

The shape of an enzyme is very important because it has a direct effect on how it catalyzes a reaction.

An enzyme’s shape is determined by the sequence of amino acids in its structure, and the bonds which form between the atoms of those molecules.

Different types of enzymes have different shapes and functions because the order and type of amino acids in their structure is different.

Enzymes are very specific about which reactions they catalyze.

Only molecules with exactly the right shape will bind to the enzyme and react. 

These are the reactant, or substrate, molecules.

The part of the enzyme to which the reactant binds is called the active site.

This is a very specific shape and the most important part of the enzyme.

The shape of Active Sites are not exactly Complementary, but change shape in the presence of a specific substrate to become Complementary

When a substrate molecule collides with an enzyme, if its composition is specifically correct, the shape of the enzyme’s Active Site will change and an Enzyme-Substrate Complex can form.​ ​ 

 The reaction is then catalysed and an Enzyme-Product Complex forms.