Historically, the "Lock and Key" model proposed by Emil Fischer suggested that the substrate fits precisely into the active site like a key into a lock. While this explains specificity, it fails to explain the dynamics of catalysis.
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: To stabilize the transition state and transform the substrate into a product. Historically, the "Lock and Key" model proposed by
Often act as nucleophiles to attack the substrate. catalytic site of enzyme
) of a reaction. It achieves this through several sophisticated mechanisms: Proximity and Orientation
) at the catalytic site to orient the substrate or stabilize negative charges. 4. Proximity and Orientation
Because the catalytic site is so vital, it is often the target for drugs and toxins: