What is substrate specificity in enzymes?

What is substrate specificity in enzymes?

Substrate specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to select and catalyze a specific substrate among many possible ones.

Why is substrate specificity important in biological processes?

It's crucial because it ensures that enzymes only catalyze specific reactions, maintaining metabolic efficiency and regulation.

Can you give an example of an enzyme with high substrate specificity?

Sure! An example is the enzyme lactase, which specifically breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

How do enzymes achieve substrate specificity?

Enzymes achieve substrate specificity through their unique active sites, which are shaped to fit specific substrate molecules.