How is the tertiary structure of an enzyme important to its function?

The tertiary structure involves four types of bonds being made between secondary alpha helices or beta pleated sheets. These are disulfide bridges, hydrophilic/hydrophobic bonds, ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds. These bonds determine the enzyme's overall 3D shape, including that of the active site. For the enzyme to work, according to the induced fit model, the shape of the active site must be exactly complementary to the shape of the substrate, in order to form an enzyme-substrate complex. If the tertiary structure is altered, an enzyme-substrate complex cannot be formed, and the enzyme is said to be denatured.

JB
Answered by Jessica B. Biology tutor

17764 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?


John begins to exercise and his heart rate increases - explain how and why his heart rate increases


What is Exocytosis?


How do I tackle questions that seem only vaguely related to the course I've covered?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning