Enzyme Structure

• What is the active site of an enzyme?

  The region of an enzyme where specific substrate molecules bind.
• What is formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme?

  An enzyme-substrate complex.
• Why do active sites have a specific shape?


  To fit specific substrates.
• What is the substrate molecule held in the active site by?

  Bonds that temporarily form between certain amino acids of the active site and groups on the substrate.
• What happens if an enzyme is denatured?

  The shape of the active site can change and prevent substrates from binding.
• What is the shape of an enzymes active site determined by?

  The tertiary structure that makes up the enzyme.
• Why is an enzyme-substrate complex only temporary?

  The enzyme catalyses the reaction then breaks down and releases the products.