lock and key model

The lock and key model describes how enzymes in our bodies recognize and bind to specific molecules. Think of the enzyme as a lock and the target molecule (like a substrate) as a key. The key fits perfectly into the lock's unique shape, allowing the enzyme to perform its function. This precise fit ensures that enzymes typically interact with only one specific substrate, making biological reactions highly efficient and regulated. The model highlights the importance of shape compatibility in biochemical processes.