Allostery meaning

Allostery is the process in which a molecule binds to a protein at a site other than its active site, causing a change in the protein's activity.


Allostery definitions

Word backwards yretsolla
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division al-los-ter-y
Plural The plural form of the word "allostery" is "allosteries".
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) a,o,e
Consonants (5) l,s,t,r,y

Allostery is a fundamental concept in biochemistry and molecular biology that refers to the regulation of a protein's activity through the binding of a ligand at a site other than the active site. This phenomenon can modulate the protein's function, leading to changes in its activity, stability, or conformation.

Allosteric Regulation

Allosteric regulation can occur through two types of allosteric interactions: positive and negative. In positive allosteric regulation, the binding of a ligand enhances the activity of the protein, while in negative allosteric regulation, the binding of a ligand inhibits the protein's activity.

Allosteric Site

The site on the protein where the allosteric ligand binds is known as the allosteric site. This site is distinct from the protein's active site, where substrates bind to carry out enzymatic reactions. Binding of the allosteric ligand induces a conformational change in the protein, leading to a functional response.

Allosteric Modulators

Small molecules that bind to the allosteric site and regulate the protein's activity are known as allosteric modulators. These modulators can either enhance or inhibit the protein's function, making them important targets for drug development and therapeutic intervention.

Allosteric regulation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including enzyme catalysis, signal transduction, and gene expression. Understanding the mechanisms of allostery can provide insights into how proteins function and how they can be targeted for therapeutic purposes.

Overall, allostery is a fascinating area of study that highlights the complexity and versatility of protein function. By unraveling the intricacies of allosteric regulation, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of biological systems and potentially discover novel therapeutic approaches.


Allostery Examples

  1. The protein's function is regulated through allosteric interactions.
  2. Allosteric enzymes can be activated or inhibited by other molecules.
  3. Allosteric modulation plays a key role in drug development.
  4. Allosteric sites on proteins can bind to ligands and affect activity.
  5. Allosteric regulation allows for fine-tuning of cellular processes.
  6. Allosteric proteins change shape in response to ligand binding.
  7. Allosteric control of metabolic pathways ensures efficiency in cells.
  8. Allosteric communication between protein subunits influences function.
  9. Allosteric effects can amplify or dampen signals in biological systems.
  10. Understanding allostery is essential for unraveling complex biological processes.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 26/06/2024 - 19:37:38