The key and lock principle is easy to explain
The lock and key principle plays an important role in biology. It's not very difficult to understand once you've put some thought into it.
In the biology, especially when it comes to defenses, viruses and bacteria, the word lock-and-key principle comes up very often. But what exactly is meant by that? Understanding that is not that difficult.
The key-lock principle using an example
- The key principle is one of the few Technical termsthat are actually called like the one they explain.
- Of course, you will be aware that only one specific key will fit on each lock. You cannot open any other lock with this key, but only the one on which the key fits.
- In biology it is the same now. If one stays with the subject of the immune system, one can cite the example of the immune system.
- Certain viruses can only be recognized by certain immune systems. The immune system is based on the protein structure on the surface of the virus. If this structure changes, the immune bodies that recognized this virus beforehand can no longer recognize this virus and fail to defend themselves.
the lock and key principle in biology
Are you familiar with the lock and key principle? It has to do with the physical ...
The lock and key principle in neurotransmitters
- The lock and key principle is also used in your brain. If messenger substances are released in the synapses, these can only be absorbed by the corresponding recipients.
- This prevents, for example, the messenger substance for sadness from stimulating the recipient to be happy. The other way around is of course the same. Without this diversification, it would be left to chance whether or not you show the right emotion at a party.
- Thanks to the lock and key principle, it is also possible for medicine to develop drugs that only attack certain areas.
The key-lock principle thus offers a fixed and unspecific selection system in biology with which you can explain why certain ones Functions caused or prevented.
