What Role Does Local Structure Play in Enzyme Catalysis?
In enzyme catalysis, the local structure of the active site, often referred to as the catalytic pocket, is highly specific and finely tuned to facilitate particular biochemical reactions. The arrangement of amino acids, cofactors, and metal ions within the active site creates a unique microenvironment that stabilizes transition states and lowers activation energy. This specificity and efficiency are a result of the precise local structure.
