# 5.4 Shape Complementarity

> Shape Complementarity (Module 5: The Explorer). Key concept: Buried surface area & steric fit. Explain why binding partners must be shape-complementary to make contact at all.

Shape Complementarity (Module 5: The Explorer). Key concept: Buried surface area & steric fit. Explain why binding partners must be shape-complementary to make contact at all.

- Explain why binding partners must be shape-complementary to make contact at all
- Use buried surface area as a measure of interface size, and state the convention you are using
- Recognise the favourable contact types: hydrophobic–hydrophobic, donor–acceptor, charge pairing
- Explain why a single steric clash can be decisive
- Assess shape, charge and chemistry together rather than one at a time

## Links

- [Module 5: The Explorer](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5)
- [5.1 Molecules 101: What Proteins Bind](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/1)
- [5.2 Surface Topography and Pocket Detection](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/2)
- [5.3 Electrostatic Surfaces](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/3)
- [5.5 Enzyme Catalysis: The Catalytic Triad](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/5)
- [5.integration Design a Binding Site](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/integration)
- [Target Acquisition](https://proteindesign.academy/module/5/capstone)