BCH 261 Lecture 11: Biochem Notes 11
16 Feb 2017
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Storage of ions and molecules: myoglobin, ferritin. Transport of ions and molecules: hemoglobin, serotonin transporter. A molecule that binds another protein is called a ligand. A region in the protein where the ligand binds is called the active site. Some ligands are modified by the protein, these are called substrates, and the site where they bind proteins is called the active site. Ligand binds via non-covalent forces, which enables the interactions to last a short time. Conformational changes may occur upon ligand binding: this adaptation is called the induced fit. Induced fit allows for tighter binding of the ligand. Induced fit can increase the affinity of the protein for a second ligand. Both the ligand and the protein can change their conformations. There are vibrations and small rotational movements of atoms and side-chains: molecular breathing. This creates small pockets or temporary states of tightening or loosening around a ligand.
