Question

Which of the following would best reflect the general steps of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?

1) Activation of the enzyme
2) Formation of the enzyme-substrate complex
3) Conversion of the substrate to the product
4) Release of the product and regeneration of the enzyme

Answer 1

Enzyme-catalyzed reactions involve the binding of a substrate to an enzyme, the conversion of the substrate into a product, followed by the release of the product, with the enzyme ready to start the process over.

Step-by-step explanation:

Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions

The general steps of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction reflect a process that begins with the enzyme binding to a substrate. This interaction forms an enzyme-substrate complex, where the enzyme's active site temporarily undergoes a conformational change to accommodate the substrate. The subsequent steps include the conversion of the substrate to the product(s), followed by the release of the product, which leaves the enzyme unaltered and capable of catalyzing subsequent reactions.

The enzyme and substrate interaction is specific, thanks to the unique properties of the enzyme’s active site. This specificity allows for the precise alignment of reactive groups, leading to an efficient chemical reaction. After this reaction is complete, the product dissociates from the enzyme, which returns to its original conformation, ready to engage with a new substrate molecule.