Formation of the enzyme-substrate complex (ES)

Question:

Formation of the enzyme-substrate complex (ES) is the first step in catalysed reactions. Describe the other steps until the formation of the product.

Solution:

1. In the first step, the substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme which fits into the active site

2. The binding of the substrate will help the enzyme to alter its shape and will fit more tightly

3. The active site of the enzyme breaks the chemical bond of the substrate thus forming a new enzyme product

4. The product will be released by the enzymes in the reaction and the free enzyme is ready to bind the substrate of another molecule and once again run through the catalytic cycle.

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