allosztériás

Allosztériás is a term used in chemistry and biochemistry to describe a molecule or site that is distinct from the primary active site of a molecule, typically an enzyme. Binding of a molecule at an allosteric site causes a conformational change in the enzyme's structure, which in turn affects the activity of the primary active site. This allosteric modulation can either activate or inhibit the enzyme's function.

Allosteric regulation is a crucial mechanism for controlling metabolic pathways and cellular processes. It allows for fine-tuning of enzyme activity in response to changing cellular conditions. For example, if a metabolic pathway produces too much of a certain product, that product can act as an allosteric inhibitor for an enzyme earlier in the pathway, thereby reducing its own production. Conversely, if a pathway needs to be sped up, an allosteric activator can bind to an enzyme and increase its activity.

Many enzymes are regulated allosterically. Examples include enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and gene expression. The study of allosteric regulation is important for understanding enzyme kinetics and for developing drugs that target specific enzymes. Many pharmaceuticals are designed to interact with allosteric sites to modulate enzyme activity for therapeutic purposes. The term originates from the Greek words "allos" meaning "other" and "stereos" meaning "space" or "solid," highlighting the binding occurring at a different location than the main functional site.