Question

The type of catalysis wherein the proton donation or acceptance is done by water molecule is referred to as _____________

(a) substrate collision theory

(b) lock and key model

(c) general acid-base catalysis

(d) specific acid-base catalysis

I had been asked this question in an interview.

This key question is from Enzyme Kinetics topic in chapter Enzyme Kinetics of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) specific acid-base catalysis

Easiest explanation: In most of the enzymatic reactions, some type of proton transfer is involved. If the proton donation or acceptance is done by water molecules during catalysis is called specific acid-base catalysis. If the catalysis involves participation of small organic molecules, co-factors and amino-acids side chains from the enzyme is referred to as general acid-base catalysis. Lock and key deals with the interaction between substrate and enzyme at active site in a way as key fits into its lock. Substrate collision theory deals with collision between substrate and enzyme.