Explain enzyme-substrate specificity

Enzymes and substrates share specificity in that an enzyme will only react with a specific substrate • This is because the active site is complementary in both shape and charge to a given substrate • The model by which this is known is ‘lock and key’ as the substrate is a precise structural fit for the enzyme, much like a lock and key • When the enzyme and substrate bind, they form an enzyme-substrate complex, before the substrate is catalytically converted into a product

ZG
Answered by Zoe G. Biology tutor

10213 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

Explain the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary protein structure.


State one similarity and one difference between homologous chromosomes.


How does cell division occur?


Describe the electrical activity of the heart.


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