Enzymes Flashcards
Cofactor
Non-protein component required for activity
Coenzyme
Complex organic molecule required for activity
Induced fit
Conformational changes occur in the protein structure when the substrate binds
Desolvation
Weak bonds between substrate and enzyme essentially replace most or all of the H bonds between substrate and aqueous solution
Entropy reduction
Molecules in free solution will only react by “bumping” into one another
Enzymes “force” the substrate(s) to be correctly orientated by binding them in the correct formation
Concerted model
Allosteric activators will stabilise “open” conformation
Inhibitors will stabilise “closed” conformation
Sequential model
Substrate binding leads to a change in one subunit
Covalent modification
Allows fine control of enzyme function eg. phosphorylation