To which part of an enzyme will a specific substrate bind?

• A. Active site
• B. Inhibitory site
• C. Coenzyme site
• D. Allosteric site

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of enzymes in biological reactions: Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
2. Identify the structure of an enzyme: Enzymes have specific regions that interact with substrates, including the active site, inhibitory site, coenzyme site, and allosteric site.
3. Define the active site: The active site is the region of the enzyme where the substrate binds. It is typically a pocket or groove on the enzyme's surface, formed by the specific arrangement of amino acids.
4. Explain substrate specificity: The active site is highly specific to the substrate, meaning that only substrates with the correct shape and chemical properties can bind effectively. This specificity is often described using the 'lock and key' model or the 'induced fit' model.
5. Clarify the function of other sites: The inhibitory site is where inhibitors can bind to decrease enzyme activity, the coenzyme site is where coenzymes bind to assist enzyme function, and the allosteric site is where molecules can bind to regulate enzyme activity, often changing the shape of the enzyme and affecting the active site.