Allosteric site

Definition

An allosteric site is a specific location on an enzyme, distinct from the active site, where molecules can bind and modulate the enzyme's activity. These sites play a crucial role in regulating metabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Allosteric sites allow for the regulation of an enzyme's activity through the binding of activators or inhibitors.
2. Binding at an allosteric site can cause a conformational change in the enzyme, affecting its function.
3. Allosteric regulation is essential for maintaining homeostasis within microbial cells.
4. Allosteric enzymes often exhibit sigmoidal kinetics rather than Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
5. Examples of allosteric effectors include ATP, ADP, and various metabolites relevant to microbial metabolism.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of an allosteric site on an enzyme?
• How does binding at an allosteric site affect an enzyme's activity?
• Why is allosteric regulation important in microbial metabolism?

Related terms

Active Site: The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Enzyme Inhibitor: A molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity.

Conformational Change: A change in the shape of a protein that can result from ligand binding or other factors.