Where Does Allosteric Come from?

The term allostery comes from the Greek allos (ἄλλος), "other," and stereos (στερεὀς), "solid (object)." This is in reference to the fact that the regulatory site of an allosteric protein is physically distinct from its active site.

Where are allosteric enzymes found?

Allosteric enzymes typically have multiple active sites located on different protein subunits. When an allosteric inhibitor binds to an enzyme, all active sites on the protein subunits are changed slightly so that they work less well. There are also allosteric activators.

What does an allosteric?

: of, relating to, undergoing, or being a change in the shape and activity of a protein (such as an enzyme) that results from combination with another substance at a point other than the chemically active site.