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Multiple Choice
What does the enzyme's active site do in order to bind more tightly to the substrate?
A
It increases the temperature of the substrate.
B
It undergoes a conformational change to better fit the substrate (induced fit model).
C
It hydrolyzes ATP to provide energy for binding.
D
It permanently changes its primary amino acid sequence.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the enzyme's active site: The active site is the region of the enzyme where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction occurs. It is highly specific to the substrate's shape and chemical properties.
Learn about the induced fit model: The induced fit model explains that the enzyme's active site is flexible and can undergo a conformational change to better accommodate the substrate. This enhances the binding and catalytic efficiency.
Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze the provided choices. Increasing the temperature of the substrate, hydrolyzing ATP for binding, or permanently changing the enzyme's primary amino acid sequence are not mechanisms used by the active site to bind the substrate more tightly.
Focus on the correct mechanism: The conformational change in the active site allows the enzyme to form a more precise fit with the substrate, stabilizing the enzyme-substrate complex and facilitating the reaction.
Relate this concept to enzyme specificity: The induced fit model highlights the dynamic nature of enzyme-substrate interactions, emphasizing that enzymes are not rigid structures but adapt to optimize binding and catalysis.