What is an enzyme substrate complex?
1 Answer
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.
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).
After that, shape of active site is restored and enzyme also remains unaltered.
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