The lock and key principle in biology
Are you familiar with the lock and key principle? It has to do with the body's biochemical functions and works like a key that fits into the lock. What is the explanation for this in biology?
The lock and key principle in biology
In the biology the key-lock principle describes structures that belong together. This principle is also valuable for you. Because, among other things, cells can grow in your body.
- This can be two or more structures that complement each other. Translated, this means that these "dock". If structures do not fit together, they cannot fulfill any biochemical function. You can imagine that your apartment key does not fit in the associated lock.
- There are special bindings that have to go together. This includes enzymes and substrates. Enzymes are, so to speak, catalysts and occur in living cells. They are composed of amino acids (organic compounds). They come from the class of substances called proteins (enzymes).
- Enzymes look spherical. The center is active and the bulge is pocket-shaped. This means that the lock and key principle comes into play here. Because the substrate fits exactly into the pocket-shaped bulge of the enzyme. In this way, the substrate can change the enzyme and, for example, allow it to grow.
- A substrate is called a biomolecule in biology. It is, so to speak, a raw material for their function. A chemical reaction can thus be brought about. It will be in the biochemistry also called "nutrient medium". The nutrient medium has to ensure that organisms (cells, tissues, smaller plants - leaf moss) are maintained. This ensures the optimal growth of cells or bacteria, for example.
Effect specificity of the enzymes - informative
Do you know that too? In biology lessons, the specificity of the action of the enzymes ...
Examples of related structures
- In principle, enzymes are very specific because only certain substrates can be converted. This means that some enzymes can only process fructose, some only glucose and some only one or the other fat molecule.
- The reason for this is characterized by the key-lock principle. In biology it is also called "substrate specificity".
- Examples: You have immune cells in your body that are circulating. This means that these cells must have a certain surface structure so that they can also circulate from place to place - and also back to the place of origin.
- So that viruses can multiply or infect their host, for example, so-called complementary (docking points) structures are required here as well.
- If you want to become pregnant, your egg needs the right opening (lock) for the sperm. Otherwise the penetration of the sperm will not work.
- This principle is also important for the hormones in your body so that they can also be active. This means that gland cells can open so that the hormones can get into the blood.
Basically, the key-lock principle is also very simple in biology: If you have a key, it must fit exactly into the lock that goes with it.
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