Active site
Definition
The active site is a specific region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction. It is typically a pocket or groove on the enzyme's surface, precisely shaped to fit the substrate.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The active site is highly specific to its substrate due to the precise shape and chemical environment.
- Enzyme activity can be affected by changes in temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
- The binding of the substrate to the active site forms an enzyme-substrate complex.
- Inhibitors can block or alter the active site, reducing enzyme activity.
- The induced fit model suggests that the active site undergoes a conformational change upon substrate binding for optimal interaction.
Review Questions
- What role does the active site play in enzyme function?
- How does the specificity of an enzyme's active site affect its ability to catalyze reactions?
- What are some factors that can influence the efficiency of an enzyme's active site?
"Active site" appears in:
Related terms
term: substrate
term: enzyme-substrate complex
term: inhibitor
