Enzyme Active Sites Overview

Questions and Answers

What is an active site?

The active site of an enzyme is the small region where the substrate(s) binds and participates in the catalysis.

Which of the following features characterize the active site? (Select all that apply)

It consists of amino acids known as catalytic residues. (correct)

It is a small region within a large enzyme molecule. (correct)

It is rigid in structure.

It has a fixed shape.

Enzymes are specific in their function due to the existence of active sites.

True

The substrate binds the enzyme (E) at the active site to form an ______ complex.

<p>enzyme-substrate (ES)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of bonds do substrates use to bind at the active site?

<p>Weak non-covalent bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Active Site of Enzymes

The active site is a small region where substrates bind to the enzyme and catalysis occurs.
The active site is formed by the enzyme's tertiary structure, creating a three-dimensional conformation.
Catalytic residues are amino acids that are spatially arranged, not sequential, contributing to the active site's functionality.
Active sites can be described as clefts, crevices, or pockets within larger enzyme molecules.
They are flexible structures, adapting in shape as needed during the catalytic process.
Each active site includes both a substrate binding site and a catalytic site, facilitating the specific biochemical reaction.
Coenzymes or cofactors may be essential components of the catalytic site, assisting enzyme function.
Binding at the active site occurs via weak, non-covalent interactions, allowing for substrate specificity and regulation.
The unique arrangement of amino acids at active sites leads to enzyme specificity; commonly involved amino acids include serine, aspartate, histidine, cysteine, lysine, arginine, glutamate, and tyrosine, with serine being the most prevalent.
Substrate binding to the enzyme (E) creates an enzyme-substrate complex (ES), leading to product formation (P) and enzyme reuse.

Description

Explore the critical role of active sites in enzymes, where substrates bind and catalysis takes place. This quiz covers the structure, function, and biochemical significance of active sites, along with the importance of coenzymes and cofactors in enzyme activity.