Final answer:
Allosteric regulation describes the binding of key molecules to a protein at one site and impacting its function at another site. This regulation mechanism involves inducing a conformational change in the enzyme's active site, affecting its affinity for the substrate and the rate of the reaction. Allosteric regulation is an important feedback control mechanism in metabolic pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Allosteric regulation describes the regulation of biochemical pathways wherein key molecules bind to a protein at one site and impact its function at another site. In this type of regulation, the binding of an allosteric effector to an enzyme's allosteric site induces a conformational change in the enzyme's active site, altering its affinity for the substrate and affecting the rate of the reaction. Allosteric regulation can be either positive, increasing enzyme activity, or negative, decreasing enzyme activity. This mechanism provides feedback control in metabolic pathways, allowing cells to respond to changes in conditions and maintain homeostasis.