Question

What does the lock and key hypothesis state?

Answer 1

The key (substrate) fits perfectly in the lock (enzyme).

Explanation:

The lock and key hypothesis states that the substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme, like a lock and a key would.

This is in contrast with the induced fit hypothesis, which states that both the substrate and the enzyme will deform a little to take on a shape that allows the enzyme to bind the substrate.

Since, the substrate binds to a specific enzyme, this hypothesis is meant for the substrate specific enzymes.