Question 1

Multiple choiceMedium1 mark

A purified enzyme forms a complex with each of four substrates. Shape-change scores compare each molecule’s shape in the complex with its unbound shape; 0 means no change, and a positive score means a change.

SubstrateEnzyme shape-change scoreSubstrate shape-change score
P21
Q20
R01
S00

Which substrate’s results are consistent with induced-fit binding?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. Induced-fit binding involves a change in shape of both the enzyme and the substrate. For P, both shape-change scores are positive, so both molecules change shape during complex formation.
B: uses the enzyme’s positive score but overlooks that the substrate’s score is zero.
C: uses the substrate’s positive score but overlooks that the enzyme’s score is zero.
D: shows no shape change in either molecule and therefore is not induced-fit binding.
Remember: induced-fit binding involves shape changes in both interacting molecules.

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