Question

Use your knowledge of protein structure to explain why enzymes are specific and may be affected by non-competitive inhibitors. (6 marks)

Accepted Answer

each enzyme/protein has specific primary structure / amino acid sequence;

folds in a particular way/ has particular tertiary structure;

active site with unique structure;

shape of active site complementary to/ will only fit that of substrate; maximum of three marks for inhibition, points 5 – 8

inhibitor fits at site on the enzyme other than active site;

determined by shape;

distorts active site;

so substrate will no longer fit / form enzyme-substrate complex;

Active Site Structure Specific Fit Knowledge Protein Explain