Different enzymes catalyse specific reactions. Explain why enzymes can only catalyse specific reactions.

A simple way of thinking about why enzymes catalyse only specific reactions is to think of the enzyme and the substrate (the compound the enzyme is acting upon) as a lock and key system. Enzymes have a particular part called the active site, which is where the enzyme acts on the substrate and the reaction takes place. This active site on the enzyme is the lock while the key would be the substrate. Because enzymes are proteins, they have a very specific order of amino acids that make up their structure (including the active site), meaning that only one key can fit in. The active site, or "lock" will recognise the substrate or "key" and will only let that one in and therefore can only catalyse a specific reaction.

OD
Answered by Oliver D. Biology tutor

8430 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do vaccines prevent certain diseases?


If a person drinks a lot of water, the water content of their blood will increase. Describe how the water content of their blood is regulated.


Explain the importance of neurones and synapses in the reflex arc


What does a mitochondria do?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences