The Induced Fit Model suggests that enzyme active sites are flexible and undergo conformational changes upon substrate binding, enhancing the enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions. This dynamic adaptation contrasts with the Lock and Key Model, emphasizing the enzyme's role in stabilizing the transition state to lower activation energy and increase reaction rates.
A bifunctional enzyme is a single protein that catalyzes two distinct chemical reactions, often involving two different active sites or domains within the same molecule. This dual functionality allows for coordinated regulation and efficiency in metabolic pathways, reducing the need for separate enzymes and facilitating complex biological processes.
Enzymatic function refers to the specific biochemical activity of enzymes, which act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in biological systems without being consumed in the process. These functions are crucial for maintaining life by regulating metabolic pathways and enabling cellular processes to occur efficiently and selectively.