Explain how the structure of an enzyme allows for it to act as a biological catalyst

An enzyme's tertiary structure allows it to have an active site which is complementary and specific to one type of substrate to which it can bind with, forming an enzyme- substrate complex. It then lowers the activation energy of a reaction by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction to take place, hence speeding it up. The induced fit model of enzyme action explains this mechanism by the active site of the enzyme moulding around the substrate and putting strain on its bonds.

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Answered by Maria K. Biology tutor

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