A substrate is the molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
How does an enzyme interact with a substrate?
An enzyme binds to a substrate at its active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
What is the 'active site' of an enzyme?
The active site is the specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
What role does substrate concentration play in enzyme activity?
Substrate concentration can increase enzyme activity until a saturation point is reached.
Describe the 'induced fit' model of enzyme action.
In the induced fit model, the enzyme changes shape to fit the substrate better upon binding.
What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?
Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule competes with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition involves binding at a different site.
How does temperature affect substrate binding?
Temperature can increase enzyme activity, but if too high, it can denature the enzyme.
What is enzyme specificity?
Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to recognize and bind to a specific substrate.
What are cofactors and their role in substrate binding?
Cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in substrate binding and catalysis.
Why is substrate binding important for enzyme catalysis?
Substrate binding to the active site is essential for catalysis as it forms an enzyme-substrate complex.
What is an allosteric site on an enzyme?
An allosteric site is a region of the enzyme where a molecule can bind, influencing enzyme activity.
How does pH affect substrate binding and enzyme activity?
pH affects the ionization state of amino acids at the active site, impacting binding and activity.
What is the lock and key model of enzyme activity?
The lock and key model suggests that the enzyme's active site and the substrate fit together perfectly.
How do inhibitors affect substrate binding?
Inhibitors can prevent substrates from binding by occupying or altering the active site.
What is the enzyme-substrate complex?
It is a transient structure formed when a substrate binds to an enzyme's active site.