Answer:
An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms. It is usually a protein that interacts with specific molecules called substrates. The substrates are the molecules that the enzyme acts upon and converts into different products.
The active site refers to a specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and undergoes a chemical reaction. The active site has a unique shape that complements the shape of the substrate, allowing them to fit together like a lock and key. This interaction between the enzyme’s active site and the substrate is crucial for the enzyme to catalyze the reaction efficiently.
In summary, the enzyme is the catalyst, the substrate is the molecule that the enzyme acts upon, and the active site is the specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and undergoes a chemical reaction.