Question

Explain what would happen to a reactant molecule if it came into contact with an enzyme's active site that matched its specific shape. Use the following terms in your answer: substrate, active site, enzyme-substrate complex, products, and enzyme.

A. The substrate binds to the active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
B. The enzyme is destroyed, leading to the formation of products.
C. The enzyme-substrate complex breaks down into substrates and products.
D. The active site changes its shape to accommodate the substrate.

Answer 1

A substrate molecule binds to the enzyme's active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex which leads to the product formation and the enzyme remains unchanged, able to participate in more reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a substrate molecule comes into contact with an enzyme's active site that matches its specific shape, a series of steps occur leading to a biochemical reaction. The substrate binds to the active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This specific interaction facilitates the conversion of the substrate into products through catalysis, where the enzyme accelerates the chemical reaction. After the reaction, the enzyme releases the products and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze another reaction with a new substrate molecule.