active site

What: "The active site is like the grasping handle of the robot on the assembly line. It can only pick up one part."

Writer: Andrew Rader Studios

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Date: Apr 30 2013 10:14 AM

What: "The active site is like a little pocket of amino acids that is, since enzymes are highly specific, a lock-key mechanism which allows for the substrate to be added onto the enzyme."

Writer: Misho Borissov

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Where: Reference Link Has Evaporated

Date: Apr 30 2013 10:17 AM

What: "The active site is like a mouth -- it chews whatever it touches but can only chew one thing at a time," Kopan explains. "The other site is like a hand -- it's used for holding, and doesn't interfere with the ability of the mouth to chew another object. Maybe one molecule acts as the "hand" serving a meal to the "mouth," which is located on another molecule."

Writer: Raphael Kopan, Ph.D.

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Date: Apr 30 2013 10:18 AM

What: The common analogy is that an enzyme active size and substrate is like a key and and lock. While this is close, the idea needs to be extended. The key-lock association implies that the molecules in question are as rigid as steel. This is just not the case. Organic molecules are more rubbery than they are rigid. If pull someone tongue you'll see this action. So if you want to realistically visualize organic molecules such as an enzyme and a substrate, try to visualize them as a lock and key made of rubber. They are somewhat specific, but with enough pressure they will deform.

Writer: Lucretia

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Where: Reference Link Has Evaporated

Date: Apr 30 2013 10:26 AM