What is the term for the regulation of enzymes by molecules that bind at locations other than the active site?

The term that describes the regulation of enzymes by molecules that bind at locations other than the active site is known as allosteric regulation. In allosteric regulation, an enzyme can be activated or inhibited by molecules binding to specific sites, referred to as allosteric sites. This binding induces conformational changes in the enzyme that can either enhance its activity or diminish it.

Allosteric regulation is a crucial mechanism through which enzymes are controlled within metabolic pathways, allowing for fine-tuning of enzymatic activity in response to the cell's needs. In contrast to competitive inhibition, where the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, allosteric regulation involves binding at different sites, providing a nuanced layer of control in metabolic processes.

This mechanism is particularly important in complex pathways where multiple factors can influence enzyme behavior, reflecting the dynamic nature of biochemical regulation in living organisms.