Background --> Allostery

When enzymes have a quaternary structure (such as molecular man in a trimer formation

his natural shape, see results page) certain molecules or effectors bind to a certain site on t

he enzyme changing the shape if the protein and ultimately changing its function.

In the case of Molecular men in the trimer formation, cocaine is the effector that

allosterically regulates the rate at which molecular man does the metabolism.

 

When lots of cocaine is present, then the rate at which cocaine is metabolized goes up

because the enzyme has been allosterically enhanced.

Courtesy Of" "Structural Basis of Heroin and Cocaine Metabolism by a Promiscuous Human Drug-Processing Enzyme.”

Graph of how rate increases greatly when allosterically regulated

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOLECULAR MAN:

Enzymes ---- Transesterification and Hydrolysis ---- Allostery