BRAINCAKEPrecursor Activation
Many enzymes are produced as inactive precursors (called zymogens) so that they do not damage the cells producing them.
The precursors undergo a change of tertiary structure, particularly of the active site, before they are able to function.
Activation can be brought about by the addition of a cofactor or a protease may cleave the precursor enzyme to make it active.
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Key terms in this lesson
- tertiary structure
- The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, formed and held by bonds between R groups.
- cofactor
- A non-protein, inorganic substance needed by an enzyme for it to function correctly.
- active site
- The region of an enzyme, with a shape complementary to its substrate, where the substrate binds and the reaction is catalysed.