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.

MK
Answered by Maria K. Biology tutor

2578 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the most important topics that I should revise?


Name 3 features of a prokaryote cell that are not common of a eukaryote cell


Describe how an endotherm prevents its body temperature from rising when external temperatures increase?


What is the difference between the primary and secondary immune responses? (May be asked in the form of how to interpret a commonly used graph on the subject)


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