Question

If only a few of the amino acid residues of an enzyme are involved in its catalytic activity, why does the enzyme need such a large number of amino acids?

Short answer

The large number of amino acids are necessary to maintain the enzyme's structure, stability, and additional functions.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Enzyme Structure

Enzymes are proteins made up of long chains of amino acids. Each enzyme has a unique three-dimensional structure that is essential for its function.

- Identify the Active Site

Only a small portion of the enzyme, known as the active site, is directly involved in the catalytic process. The active site is the region where the substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

- Role of Rest of the Enzyme

The rest of the enzyme provides structural support. These additional amino acids help maintain the enzyme's overall structure and stability, ensuring the active site is in the correct conformation for catalysis.

- Additional Functions

Other amino acids in the enzyme might also assist in substrate binding, product release, or regulation of enzyme activity. They play essential roles in the overall efficiency and regulation of the enzyme.

- Conclusion

Although only a few amino acids are directly involved in catalysis, a large number of amino acids are necessary to form the structure, stability, and additional functions that make the enzyme effective.

Key concepts

headline of the respective core concept

Enzymes are powerful biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are made of long chains of amino acids. These amino acids fold into a unique three-dimensional structure crucial for the enzyme's function. Each enzyme has a specific region called the active site where substrate molecules bind and the chemical reaction occurs.

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The active site is a small region within the enzyme's large structure. Despite its small size, it plays a vital role in the enzyme's catalytic activity. Here, the substrate molecule binds precisely and undergoes a reaction to form the product. Only a few amino acid residues in the active site are directly involved in this process. They create a unique microenvironment that facilitates the reaction.

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Amino acids are the building blocks of enzymes. Each enzyme is made from a long chain of amino acids, which fold into a complex shape. Their sequence and structure determine the enzyme’s properties and functions. While only a few amino acids are involved in catalysis, the rest of the amino acids are crucial for maintaining the enzyme's overall structure, enabling proper function and stability. This ensures the active site is perfectly shaped to bind the substrate.

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Enzyme stability is vital for its functionality. The enzyme's large number of amino acids provide this stability by maintaining its structure. If the enzyme loses its shape, it can lose its ability to function. Additional roles of amino acids include aiding in substrate binding, product release, and enzyme regulation. This ensures that the enzyme remains effective under various conditions.

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Substrate binding is a crucial step in the catalytic process. Specific amino acids at the active site interact with the substrate to fit it properly, like a key in a lock. This precise interaction is essential for the reaction to proceed efficiently. Additionally, surrounding amino acids play a supporting role, guiding the substrate into the active site and ensuring proper alignment for catalysis.