What properties of the enzymes give rise to their ability to distinguish one substrate from another???
And where can I find information on this?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme
Scroll to Specificity then read from there to Allosteric modulation
Enzymes have the remarkable ability to distinguish one substrate from another based on several key properties. These properties include the enzyme's active site structure, shape complementarity, chemical interactions, and catalytic mechanisms.
Firstly, enzymes have a specific active site where the substrate molecule binds. The active site is highly specialized and matches the shape and chemical characteristics of the substrate molecule. This complementarity ensures that only the specific substrate can bind to the active site.
Secondly, enzymes use various chemical interactions to recognize and bind to their specific substrates. These interaction include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. The specific distribution of these chemical interactions in the active site allows the enzyme to selectively bind to its unique substrate molecules.
Thirdly, enzymes can also have specific catalytic mechanisms that are designed to react with only a particular substrate. These mechanisms involve specific amino acid residues within the enzyme that are critical for catalyzing the chemical reaction. The presence of these specific residues enables the enzyme to react with its desired substrate while excluding others.
To further understand the properties of enzymes that allow them to distinguish substrates, you can find information in various resources. One recommended source is the Wikipedia page on enzymes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzyme). On this page, you can scroll to the section titled "Specificity" and read from there to the section on "Allosteric modulation." This section will provide you with a detailed explanation of how enzymes distinguish one substrate from another.
Additionally, you can explore scientific literature, biochemistry textbooks, and educational websites dedicated to enzymology. These resources will provide you with in-depth information on the topic, including experimental techniques used to study enzyme specificity and specific examples of enzymes and their substrates.
Remember to critically evaluate the information you find to ensure its accuracy and reliability.