Which statement best describes the induced fit model?

Which statement best describes the induced fit model?

• A. The receptor remains completely rigid
• B. The receptor and ligand adjust shapes to achieve a precise fit
• C. Binding occurs only through covalent interactions
• D. No conformational changes occur upon binding

Answer: (B)

Induced fit centers on flexibility: the receptor and the ligand aren’t fixed shapes. When they encounter each other, each party can adjust its structure so the binding surface becomes more complementary. This mutual shape change lets functional groups and binding residues align precisely, enhancing binding strength through favorable noncovalent interactions and often correctly positioning catalytic groups if the receptor is an enzyme. That makes the description of both adjusting shapes to achieve a precise fit the best choice. The idea of a rigid receptor without any change describes a lock-and-key model, which isn’t how many bindings actually work. Binding isn’t required to be covalent—noncovalent interactions can still be very specific and strong because of these induced conformational adjustments. And saying no conformational changes occur would contradict how induced fit operates.

Induced fit centers on flexibility: the receptor and the ligand aren’t fixed shapes. When they encounter each other, each party can adjust its structure so the binding surface becomes more complementary. This mutual shape change lets functional groups and binding residues align precisely, enhancing binding strength through favorable noncovalent interactions and often correctly positioning catalytic groups if the receptor is an enzyme. That makes the description of both adjusting shapes to achieve a precise fit the best choice. The idea of a rigid receptor without any change describes a lock-and-key model, which isn’t how many bindings actually work. Binding isn’t required to be covalent—noncovalent interactions can still be very specific and strong because of these induced conformational adjustments. And saying no conformational changes occur would contradict how induced fit operates.