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
Answered by James D. Biology tutor

2617 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of aerobic respiration in animals


What do I do with the Hardy-Weinberg equation?


Can you explain the difference between type I and type II diabetes?


Describe how HIV replicates in the human body


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