The active site
Substrates bind to the active site, this is where the reaction occurs. The active site is an indented area of around 6 to 10 amino acids which are found on the surface of the enzyme. The tertiary structure is responsible for the shape of the active site and it is held by:
- Hydrogen bonds
- Disulphide bonds
- Ionic bonds
- Van der Waals forces
The allosteric site
This area is different from the active site. It is an area on the enzyme which allows molecules to either activate or inhibit the enzyme. The reaction doesn't occur here.