Transport viewed as a catalytic process

Transport catalysis is analysed in terms of the “induced transition fit” (ITF) concept. The essentials of ITF are briefly elucidated, emphasizing the difference of substrate–protein interactions between enzymes and carriers exemplified by the paradigm ADP/ATP carrier (AAC). Two of the numerous applications of the ITF are discussed in more detail: unidirectional passive and active transport and the relation of substrate site type inhibitors to the carrier conformations. According to ITF in most cases of unidirectional transport intrinsic binding energies may be insufficient for transport catalysis and requires additional energy from ATP or electrochemical gradients. The impacts of external energy on the carrier cycle are examined for ABC transporters (mdr) and for cation–substrate co-transporters (LacY). The relations of inhibitors to the binding site of the carrier are discussed, given the paradigm examples of side specific inhibitors of the AAC. Results with the AAC suggest the induction of an abortive ground state by inhibitors, representing extreme side specific conformation of the binding center.