What is meant by the term enzyme specificity?

Every enzyme has a unique shape. They have a region called the 'active site' where a substrate can bind. This site of the enzyme is a particular shape and only substrates that fit this site exactly can bind. If the shape of the active site and the substrate don't fit exactly then the reaction won't be catalysed. Enzymes usually only catalyse one reaction.

ER
Answered by Emma R. Biology tutor

5486 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What type of enzyme digests protein: amylase, lipase or protease?


What is the differences and simalarities between diffusion and osmosis?


Describe how non-specific human defence systems stop you from falling ill. [6 marks]


How does the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria provide evidence for evolution?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning