Question

What is an enzyme substrate complex?

Answer 1

When a substrate binds to an enzyme at its active site then an intermediate is formed which is known as enzyme substrate complex.

Explanation:

Each enzyme need a specific substrate to perform its catalytic activity. An enzyme comprises smaller portion called active site to welcome its substrate. During enzyme-catalyzed reactions, substrate binds to active site by means of hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic interactions or weak Van der waals forces. Active changes its shape a bit to fit enzyme in it. Consequently enzyme-substrate complex is formed.

`"Enzyme(E)+ Substrate(S) = Enzyme-Substrate or ES complex"`

ES complex formed is mostly unstable because bonds formed b/w enzyme and its substrate are temporary & bound substrate is instantly transformed into product(s).

`"ES complex "` `to` `"Enzyme(E) + Products(P)"`

After that, shape of active site is restored and enzyme also remains unaltered.

Hope it helps...