A ternary complex is a protein complex containing three different molecules that are bound together. In structural biology, ternary complex can also be used to describe a crystal containing a protein with two small molecules bound, such as a cofactor and a substrate; or a complex formed between two proteins and a single substrate.[1] In Immunology, ternary complex can refer to the MHC–peptide–T-cell-receptor complex formed when T cells recognize epitopes of an antigen.Another important example is the ternary complex formed during eukaryotic translation, in which ternary complex composed of eIF2 + GTP + Met-tRNAiMet is formed.[2]A ternary complex can be a complex formed between two substrate molecules and an enzyme. This is seen in multi-substrate enzyme-catalyzed reactions where two substrates and two products can be formed. The ternary complex is an intermediate species in this type of enzyme-catalyzed reaction. An example for a ternary complex is seen in the random-order mechanism or the compulsory-order mechanism of enzyme catalysis for multiple substrates.[3]
The term ternary complex can also refer to a polymer formed by electrostatic interactions.[4]
References
Trevor Palmer (Enzymes, 2nd edition)