How can allosteric activators increase enzyme activity?
Allosteric activators increase enzyme activity by binding to a specific location on the enzyme known as the allosteric site, which is distinct from the enzyme's active site.12
When an activator molecule binds to this allosteric site, it induces a conformational changeāa change in the shapeāof the enzyme. This structural shift modifies the active site, enhancing its ability to bind with the substrate. In some instances, this change allows the active site to fit a substrate that otherwise would not have been able to induce the necessary shape change on its own. By facilitating this interaction, allosteric activators effectively increase the enzyme's catalytic activity, allowing the cell to regulate the production of necessary substances based on metabolic demand.12