What Role Do Enzymes Play in Proximity and Orientation?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that employ both proximity and orientation to enhance reaction rates. The active site of an enzyme is specifically shaped to bind substrates in an optimal spatial arrangement and alignment. This precise binding not only increases the local concentration of reactants but also aligns them in a way that lowers the activation energy. The concept of the "induced fit" model illustrates how enzymes change shape to better align substrates, further emphasizing the importance of orientation in catalysis.
