Question

Why are enzymes called a lock and key situation

Answer 1

The specific action of an enzyme with a single substrate can be explained using a Lock and Key analogy first postulated in 1894 by Emil Fischer. In this analogy, the lock is the enzymeand the key is the substrate. Only the correctly sized key (substrate) fits into the key hole (active site) of the lock(enzyme).

Answer 2

Because enzymes connect to their substrate through a lock-and-key system, where the shape of the substrate and the enzyme has to fit like puzzle pieces. Then only the enzymatic reaction can occur.