How Does Phosphoglycerate Kinase Function as a Catalyst?
As a catalyst, PGK accelerates the phosphorylation reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the transfer of the phosphate group. The enzyme has a unique structure that allows it to bind to its substrates, 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate and ADP, in a specific orientation that facilitates the transfer process. The enzyme undergoes a conformational change upon substrate binding, which brings the reactants into close proximity and optimizes the conditions for the reaction to occur.
