Why do enzymes only catalyse specific reactions?

Enzymes are made up of specific amino acid sequences. Bonds form between amino acids in the chain in specific places. Hydrogen bonds form and fold the sequence into a secondary structure. Ionic bonding, disulphide bridges and more hydrogen bonds form to pull the chain into a 3D tertiary structure. This 3D structure has a very specific shape based on this sequence of amino acids and the bonds which form, and this shape is complementary to only one substrate, so will only catalyse the correct reaction.

JD

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is left sided heart failure (mark 1), which organ can it lead to fluid buildup in (mark 2) and why (mark 3)


Name and draw the type of bond that joins amino acids together.


Why are nitrogen and phosphorus vital in photosynthesising plants


How does temperature effect enzymes?