An allosteric activator is a molecule that binds to an enzyme at a site distinct from the active site, known as the allosteric site. This binding induces a conformational change in the enzyme, enhancing its activity and increasing the rate of the biochemical reaction it catalyzes. Allosteric activators play a crucial role in regulating metabolic pathways. These activators are important in cellular processes because they allow for fine-tuning of enzyme activity in response to changing conditions. By modulating enzyme function, allosteric activators help maintain homeostasis within the cell, ensuring that processes like metabolism and signal transduction operate efficiently.