conformational change
What conformational change means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of conformational change
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Reference: AQA
A change in the tertiary structure of the enzyme that puts strain on bonds in the substrate and lowers the activation energy.
A change in the tertiary and quaternary structure of the protein that increases the affinity of the remaining haem groups.
Topics that use conformational change
- Many proteins are enzymes (AQA A-Level)
- Mass transport in animals (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- activation energy
- active site
- affinity
- affinity for oxygen
- atrial systole
- Atrioventricular valves
- biconcave disc
- Biological drawing conventions
Using conformational change in the exam
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