Why are the active site and the substrates in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction often compared to a lock and key?

1 Answer
jaykay
Jan 22, 2016

The active site of an enzyme are shaped to fit the quaternary structure of a specific substrate and only that substrate.

Explanation:

The quaternary structure refers to the three dimensional, folded shape of a protein. Thus, it is similar to the shape of a lock which accommodates the shape of one specific key.

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