Explain how enzymes are able to differentiate between two mo

Solution

Enzymes can differenciate between two molecules that have similar shapes and and volumes and this property of enzyme is known as enzyme specificity. Enzyme specificity refers to the interactions between any particular enzyme and its corresponding substrate. This ineraction depends on the various factors like dissociation constant, hydrophobicity, electrostatic properties of the interacting molecules. If we see the structure of valine and threonine, there is a difference of hyroxyl group (threonine) and methyl group (valine) in their structure. Obviously the electrostatic properties, dissociation constant and hydrophobic properties will be different in valine and threonine. Hence due to these differences, enzymes can differenciate between valine and threonine.