Why do enzymes only catalyse specific reactions?

Enzymes are made up of specific amino acid sequences. Bonds form between amino acids in the chain in specific places. Hydrogen bonds form and fold the sequence into a secondary structure. Ionic bonding, disulphide bridges and more hydrogen bonds form to pull the chain into a 3D tertiary structure. This 3D structure has a very specific shape based on this sequence of amino acids and the bonds which form, and this shape is complementary to only one substrate, so will only catalyse the correct reaction.

JD

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you explain the change in membrane permeability as temperature increases?


Explain why multicellular organisms needs to develop a specialised exchange system and transport system, yet unicellular organisms do not


Why does anaerobic respiration have a lower ATP yield than aerobic respiration? (4 marks)


Describe The transmission of a nervous impulse across a neuromuscular junction.