What does it mean if a protein is described as allosteric?

Describing a protein as allosteric indicates that its activity can be regulated by the binding of molecules at sites other than the active site. Allosteric proteins typically have multiple binding sites, and when an effector molecule binds to an allosteric site, it induces a conformational change in the protein that can either enhance or inhibit its activity. This mechanism allows for intricate regulation of enzyme action and metabolic pathways, making allosteric regulation crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

This concept is fundamental to understanding how enzymes can be finely tuned in response to various cellular conditions or signals. The regulation through allosteric sites is often a more dynamic process compared to direct competition at the active site, allowing for more complex control over biological functions.