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 ▸Where do all the stages of respiration (aerobic and anaerobic) happen?
What are the different types of RNA used for during translation?
During the cardiac cycle , there is a delay between the excitation of the atria and excitation of the ventricles. Explain how this is achieved and why this delay is essential.
What is the difference between interspecific competition and intraspecific competition?