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.

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.