Conformational Effect (Induced-Fit) on Catalytic Activity of a-Chymotrypsin (BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY-Bioorganic Reaction Theory)

Abstract

The kinetics for the hydrolyses of p-nitrophenyl esters of acetic acid and certain amino acid derivatives mediated by a-chymotrypsin have been studied. The kinetics are a function of the medium viscosity, which indicate that the enzyme must change its conformation during the reaction. Detailed analysis of the dependence of kinetic rate constants on the medium viscosity has revealed that the induced-fit conformational adjustment of enzyme plays a crucial role in its catalytic activity.