Enzymes and Substrates

Enzymes and Substrates

Protein Structure

• Most proteins (approximately 98%) exist in the third or fourth level of structure.
• Protein structure:
  • Primary: A long, linear chain of amino acids.
  • Secondary: The chain twists.
  • Tertiary: Further folding and arrangement.

Active Site

• The active site is the binding location for reactants on an enzyme. The reaction occurs at the active site.

Reactants vs. Substrates

• In a chemical reaction:
  • Reactants are on one side.
  • Products are on the other side.
• When enzymes are involved, the reactants are called substrates.
• Substrates bind to the enzyme's active site where the reaction takes place.
• In biology, enzymes are involved in almost every chemical reaction.
• Therefore, in a biological context, reactants are typically referred to as substrates.

Active Site Details

• The active site is a shape-specific binding area on the enzyme (protein).
• Substrates bind to the active site and are converted into products.