What is the Difference Between Allosteric and Non-allosteric Enzymes?

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The main difference between allosteric and non-allosteric enzymes lies in the presence of an additional regulatory site called the allosteric site in allosteric enzymes, while non-allosteric enzymes have only an active site for binding the substrate. Here are the key differences between allosteric and non-allosteric enzymes:

  • Allosteric Enzymes:
  • Have both an active site and an allosteric site.
  • Are regulatory enzymes, meaning they can be regulated by molecules binding to the allosteric site.
  • Can be affected by allosteric inhibitors or activators, which bind to the allosteric site and either decrease or increase the enzyme's activity.
  • Exhibit cooperativity, where the binding of a molecule at one active site can affect the activity of other active sites on the protein subunits.
  • Non-allosteric Enzymes:
  • Have only an active site for binding the substrate.
  • Are not regulatory enzymes, as they lack an allosteric site.
  • Are substrate-specific, while allosteric enzymes are both substrate and regulatory molecule specific.

In summary, allosteric enzymes have an additional allosteric site that can be used for regulation, while non-allosteric enzymes only have an active site for substrate binding.

Comparative Table: Allosteric vs Non-allosteric Enzymes

Allosteric and non-allosteric enzymes are two types of enzymes that differ in their structure and regulation. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Feature Allosteric Enzymes Non-allosteric Enzymes
Definition Enzymes with an additional regulatory site called allosteric site. Enzymes with only an active site for binding the substrate.
Active Sites Multiple active sites located on different protein subunits. Single active site.
Regulation Regulated by allosteric inhibitors or activators that bind to the allosteric site. Not regulated by allosteric inhibitors or activators.
Substrate Specificity Substrate-specific enzymes. Substrate-specific enzymes.
Reaction Rate Reaction rate changes when an allosteric inhibitor or activator binds. Reaction rate is not affected by allosteric inhibitors or activators.
Examples Aspartate transcarbamoylase and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. Specific examples not provided in the search results.

Both allosteric and non-allosteric enzymes are made up of proteins, catalyze biochemical reactions in living cells, remain unchanged at the end of the reaction, and are sensitive to changes in pH and temperature.