Imagine you had an outlet with the babyproof outlet covers on. In this scenario, the regulatory subunit would be the two covers blocking the current, while the catalytic subunits are the two outlets.Ā
So, cAMP in this scenario comes and pulls out the outlet covers, which allows the outlet to now be used. Aka, cAMP binds to the regulatory subunits which disassociate from the catalytic subunits, allowing them to do their job!
PKA has two subunitsā catalytic and regulatory.Ā
As their names suggest, the catalytic subunits want to be āactiveā but are regulated by the regulatory subunit.Ā
When cAMP binds to the regulatory subunits, they disassociate from the catalytic subunits, exposing their active site. This means they can now catalyze reactions!Ā
This video goes a bit more in depth in some areas than you may need to know. However, it is great review and if you are interested in learning more (which always aids in memorization!) this is a great resource.Ā