Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

What does conformation rigidity mean? This is for enzymes.

What does it mean?

Simply put, it refers to how fixed the structure of a protein is – if an enzyme has high conformational rigidity, the shape of the molecule doesn't readily change.

Reply 2

Helloaaa

Original post by liam.ro

Simply put, it refers to how fixed the structure of a protein is – if an enzyme has high conformational rigidity, the shape of the molecule doesn't readily change.

Thank you, that makes sense. How about the word conformation itself in terms of enzymes?

Reply 3

humble heroics

Original post by Helloaaa

Thank you, that makes sense. How about the word conformation itself in terms of enzymes?

Enzyme action follows a model called 'induced fit theory'. This means that when the substrate binds to the enzyme, it undergoes a CONFORMATIONAL change (active site changes shape) in order to hydrolyse bonds in the substrate and create products.

Reply 4

liam.ro

Original post by Helloaaa

Thank you, that makes sense. How about the word conformation itself in terms of enzymes?

In this context, conformation refers to the structural arrangement of the components which make up an enzyme. Hence, like @humble heroics has mentioned, a conformational change indicates that the arrangement of molecules within the protein structure has changed, leading to the active site taking on a specific shape which is required to hydrolyse its respective substrates.

In the end, conformation is essentially the same thing as structure. So, provided you understand the that conformation is slightly more specific in its meaning as explained above, the two terms can more or less be used interchangeably.