CAIE IGCSE Biology 5.1.7 Enzyme Specificity

Practise explaining enzyme specificity by comparing a substrate with the complementary shape of an active site and linking successful binding to complex formation.

Exam points

state that a substrate binds only when its shape is complementary to the enzyme's active site
explain why lipase cannot digest protein by comparing protein shape with the lipase active site
link successful complementary fit to substrate binding and formation of an enzyme-substrate complex

[Maximum number: 3]

Fig. 5.1 shows a computer model of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol.

Fig. 5.1

Enzymes have a specific three dimensional shape.
Explain why the shape of an enzyme is important.

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5.1.7—Specificity of enzymes in terms question 1