when a ligand binds to a protein, it very slightly changes the shape of the protein.
ligand binding sites
Small clefts on the surface of the protein where amino acid r groups are exposed.
complementary Binding sites
the binding sites matches the shape of the ligand and its chemistry is complementary
conformational change
the shape of the protein is changed due to binding of a ligand.
Switching on or off of proteins
A change in shape normally means a change in function as the shape is crucial for its function. This means a protein can be switched on or off due to ligand presence/.
Induced fit
increases the binding and interaction between the substrate and the active site. The new shape is temporary and places the substrate under tension which reduces the activation energy. Once reaction is completed the active site is less attracted to the products and as such they are released and the enzyme reverts back to its original shape.
