The reactant of an enzyme catalyzed reaction is called a substrate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
The reactant of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction is called a substrate.
Explanation:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed. The substance upon which an enzyme acts is known as a substrate.
Each enzyme has a specific active site, a unique region where the substrate binds. This binding occurs through the lock and key model or the induced fit model. In the lock and key model, the enzyme and substrate fit perfectly together like a key in a lock. In the induced fit model, the enzyme undergoes a slight change in shape to accommodate the substrate.
When the substrate binds to the enzyme’s active site, it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex undergoes a chemical transformation, converting the substrate into products. Once the reaction is complete, the enzyme releases the product and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze another reaction.
Enzymes exhibit specificity, meaning they only work with particular substrates. This specificity is due to the unique shape of the enzyme’s active site. For example, the enzyme amylase only breaks down starch into sugars, while lipase specifically acts on lipids.
Several factors influence enzyme activity, including:
- Temperature – Enzymes function optimally within a specific temperature range. Too high or too low temperatures can denature them.
- pH – Extreme pH levels can alter the enzyme’s shape, reducing its efficiency.
- Substrate Concentration – An increase in substrate concentration generally speeds up the reaction until the enzyme becomes saturated.
- Inhibitors – Substances that slow or stop enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme.
Understanding substrates and enzyme interactions is fundamental in fields like biochemistry, medicine, and biotechnology.
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