Basic Catalytic Strategies in Enzymes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to catalytic strategies used by enzymes.

Covalent Catalysis

A catalytic strategy where the active site contains a reactive group that becomes temporarily covalently modified.

General Acid-Base Catalysis

A catalytic strategy where a molecule other than water acts as a proton donor or acceptor.

Metal Ion Catalysis

A catalytic method where metal ions help stabilize charges, generate nucleophiles, or increase binding energy by interacting with substrates.

Catalysis by Approximation and Orientation

A reaction enhancement strategy where two distinct substrates are brought close together and properly oriented on a single enzyme surface.

Nucleophile

A chemical species attracted to positive charge, which donates electrons in a reaction.

Electrophile

An electron-deficient chemical that is attracted to nucleophiles, engaging in electron-accepting reactions.

Transition State

A state in a chemical reaction where the highest energy is present, favoring the formation during enzyme binding.

Binding Energy

The sum of interactions between an enzyme and its substrate, maximized when the substrate is in the transition state.