Allosteric Site
Definition
An allosteric site is a specific region on an enzyme where a regulatory molecule binds, causing a change in the enzyme's activity. This binding can either activate or inhibit the enzyme.
Analogy
Imagine an allosteric site as a keyhole on a door. When the right key (regulatory molecule) is inserted into the keyhole (allosteric site), it can either unlock and open the door (activate the enzyme) or jam the lock and prevent it from opening (inhibit the enzyme).
Related terms
Activator: A regulatory molecule that binds to an allosteric site and increases an enzyme's activity.
Negative Feedback: A mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in that pathway.
Positive Feedback: A mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway activates or enhances an earlier step in that pathway.
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