What is the 'lock and key' hypothesis?

A reaction can only be catalysed (sped up) if an enzyme's active site matches the shape of its substrate molecules- the substrate fits into the active site like a key into a lock. This shape is highly specific, meaning one type of enzyme can usually only match with one type of substrate to catalyse a reaction in the same way that a key can only open one lock.

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Answered by Emily E. Biology tutor

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