Trypsin and elastase are enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of

Trypsin and elastase are enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis of peptide bonds. however, trypsin only cuts next to lysine and elastase only cuts next to alanin. What accounts for this difference?

A. Trypsin is a protein, elastase isnt

B. Delta G for the two reactions differ

C. the shape of active site for two enzmes are different

D. on reaction is endergonic, the other is exergonic

E. hydrolysis of lysine bonds require water, while alanine hydrolysis does not

Solution

C. the shape of active site for two enzmes are different

Active sites of the enzymes are like lock while the substrate acts like key. Between the two enzymes active site conformation differs hence they have different substrates.