# DBT JRF 2020 — Question 16

Exam: DBT JRF 2020 · Section: A · Topic: Biochemistry · Difficulty: Easy

## Question

Enzymes bind their substrates via

## Options

- **A.** all of the given options are correct
- **B.** shape complementarity
- **C.** hydrophobic interactions
- **D.** hydrogen bonds

## Answer

Option A

## Explanation

Enzyme–substrate recognition involves multiple complementary forces acting simultaneously: (1) Shape complementarity — the active site shape precisely matches the substrate (lock-and-key model) or adjusts upon binding (induced-fit model, e.g. hexokinase); (2) Hydrogen bonds — between polar groups on enzyme and substrate; (3) Hydrophobic interactions — non-polar substrate regions bury in hydrophobic pockets; (4) Electrostatic/ionic interactions — charged groups attract oppositely charged substrate; (5) Van der Waals forces — short-range attractive forces at close contact. All of the listed options (shape complementarity, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds) contribute — hence 'all of the given options are correct.'

Source: https://mypyqbuddy.com/questions/enzymes-bind-their-substrates-via-6a05a8a02adafec4702931f6