Question

Formation of an enzyme-substrate complex increases the rate of reaction. Explain how.

Answer 1

An enzyme-substrate complex is formed when a substrate fits into the active site of an enzyme.

Enzymes are only able to act on substrates when an enzyme-substrate complex is formed as they require the substrate to bond with the active site.
This means the greater the rate of formation of enzyme-substrate complexes, the greater the rate of reaction as a larger number of enzyme-substrate complexes would mean a larger number of reactions occurring.

Answer 2

An enzyme-substrate complex forms when an enzyme binds to its substrate. This complex lowers the activation energy and speeds up the reaction by bringing the substrates together in an optimal orientation and creating an optimal environment within the active site.

When an enzyme binds its substrate, an enzyme-substrate complex is formed. This complex lowers the activation energy of the reaction and promotes its rapid progression in two main ways:

1. Enzymes bring the substrates together in an optimal orientation, allowing for easier and faster reaction.
2. Enzymes create an optimal environment within the active site for the reaction to occur, such as providing the right pH or polarity.

As a result, the enzyme-substrate complex increases the rate of the reaction by facilitating the interaction between the substrates and promoting the formation of the product(s).