Lock-and-key

According to these basic concepts, molecular recognition implies complementary lock-and-key type fit between molecules. The lock is the molecular receptor and the key is the substrate that is recognised and selected to give a defined receptor—substrate complex, a coordination compound or a supermolecule. Hence molecular recognition is one of the three main pillars, fixation, coordination, and recognition, that lay foundation of what is now called supramolecular chemistry (8—11). 

Fig. 2. Principle mechanisms of formation of a receptor—substrate complex (a) Fischer s rigid "lock-and-key" model (b) "induced fit" model showing...

In case of the rigid lock-and-key type receptor forming five hydrogen bonds plus two extended electrostatic attractions (Fig. 3a), one mismatched hydrogen bond will result in only a small reduction in overall binding free energy 4.18-8.36 kJ mol (1-2 kcal mol ) out of... 

Storing and maintaining trade secrets under lock and key in a segregated area that is not accessible to the pubHc. 

Affinity Chromatography. This technique involves the use of a bioselective stationary phase placed in contact with the material to be purified, the ligate. Because of its rather selective interaction, sometimes called a lock-and-key mechanism, this method is more selective than other lc systems based on differential solubiHty. Affinity chromatography is sometimes called bioselective adsorption. 

The origin of the remarkable stereoselectivities displayed by chiral homogeneous catalysts has occasioned much interest and speculation. It has been generally assumed, using a lock-and-key concept, that the major product enantiomer arose from a rigid preferred initial binding of the prochiral olefin with the chiral catalyst. Halpren 48) on the basis of considerable evidence, reached the opposite conclusion the predominant product enantiomer arises from the minor, less stable diastereomer of the olefin-catalyst adduct, which frequently does not accumulate in sufficient concentration to be detected. The predominant adduct is in essence a dead-end complex for it hydrogenates at a much slower rate than does the minor adduct. 

More complex models must carefully consider additional factors such as the receptor structure of helper T cells and allow for, what in reality, is a less than perfect lock and key match between antibody and antigen. For the latter case, Stauffer [staufF92] describes two schemes in which more than one type of antibody fits a given antigen and more than one type of antigen corresponds to a given antibody. 

The problem of molecular recognition has attracted biologically oriented chemists since Emil Fischer s lock-and-key theory l0). Within the last two decades, many model compounds have been developed micelle-forming detergents11, modified cyclodextrins 12), many kinds of crown-type compounds13) including podands, coronands, cryptands, and spherands. Very extensive studies using these compounds have, however, not been made from a point of view of whether or not shape similarity affects the discrimination. 

Living cells contain thousands of different kinds of catalysts, each of which is necessary to life. Many of these catalysts are proteins called enzymes, large molecules with a slotlike active site, where reaction takes place (Fig. 13.39). The substrate, the molecule on which the enzyme acts, fits into the slot as a key fits into a lock (Fig. 13.40). However, unlike an ordinary lock, a protein molecule distorts slightly as the substrate molecule approaches, and its ability to undergo the correct distortion also determines whether the key will fit. This refinement of the original lock-and-key model is known as the induced-fit mechanism of enzyme action. 

FIGURE 13.40 In the lock-and-key model of enzyme action, the correct substrate is recognized by its ability to fit into the active site like a key into a lock. In a refinement of this model, the enzyme changes its shape slightly as the key enters. 

Early in the last century, Emil Fischer compared the highly specific fit between enzymes and their substrates to that of a lock and its key. While the lock and key model accounted for the exquisite specificity of enzyme-substrate interactions, the imphed rigidity of the... 

In terms of the carbanion equivalent, the enolase superfamily has a strong relation with decarboxylation reaction. This family is characteristic in its promiscuity. If one is reminded of the phrase lock and key theory for the relation between the substrate and the enzyme, the word promiscuity of the enzyme may be unbelievable. However, in addition to natural promiscuity, we can change the enzyme to be promiscuous by introducing mutation, especially in the case of the enolase superfamily. This will be one of the challenging problems in future. For that purpose, biotechnology and informatics skill will be essential tool in addition to precise analysis of the reaction mechanism. 

Lock and key kinetics the more active intermediate is also the more stable one. The major intermediate leads to the major product. 

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