What is meant by the term enzyme specificity?

Every enzyme has a unique shape. They have a region called the 'active site' where a substrate can bind. This site of the enzyme is a particular shape and only substrates that fit this site exactly can bind. If the shape of the active site and the substrate don't fit exactly then the reaction won't be catalysed. Enzymes usually only catalyse one reaction.

ER
Answered by Emma R. Biology tutor

4960 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is it that Gonorrhoea can be treated with an antibiotic, but HIV cannot?


What is osmosis?


Amylase is the enzyme that controls the breakdown of starch to glucose. Describe how the student could investigate the effect of pH on the breakdown of starch by amylase.


Why are drug trials needed?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning