What is an enzyme substrate complex?

1 Answer
Jan 10, 2018

When a substrate binds to an enzyme at its active site then an intermediate is formed which is known as enzyme substrate complex.https://chem.libretexts.org/Core/Biological_Chemistry/Catalysts/Enzymes

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)"#
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/energy-and-enzymes/introduction-to-enzymes/a/enzymes-and-the-active-site

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

Hope it helps...