Which term describes the impact of a substrate on an enzyme's shape?

The correct term that describes the impact of a substrate on an enzyme's shape is induction. In biochemistry, the concept of enzyme induction refers to the process by which the binding of a substrate to an enzyme leads to a change in the enzyme's structure, usually resulting in a better fit for the substrate. This change enhances the enzyme's ability to catalyze the reaction.

Enzymes have a specific active site where substrates bind, and the binding of the substrate can alter the conformation of the enzyme, often referred to as the "induced fit" model. This model explains that the binding of the substrate causes the enzyme to change its shape to more effectively facilitate the chemical reaction.

In contrast, denaturation typically refers to the loss of an enzyme's functional shape due to factors such as extreme temperatures or pH levels, which ultimately deactivates the enzyme rather than inducing a specific interaction with a substrate. Activation generally refers to the process of increasing enzyme activity or function, rather than the alteration of shape due to substrate binding. Specificity relates to an enzyme's ability to selectively interact with particular substrates, but does not convey the dynamic interaction between the substrate and the enzyme's shape.