Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
The term for a specific molecule on which an enzyme acts is the:
A
substrate
B
inhibitor
C
product
D
cofactor
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
Learn the terminology associated with enzyme activity: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts is referred to as the 'substrate.' The enzyme binds to the substrate at its active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
Differentiate between the given terms: A 'substrate' is the molecule acted upon by the enzyme. An 'inhibitor' is a molecule that decreases enzyme activity, often by blocking the active site or altering the enzyme's structure. A 'product' is the molecule(s) formed after the enzyme catalyzes the reaction. A 'cofactor' is a non-protein molecule or ion that assists enzyme function, often by stabilizing the enzyme or participating in the reaction.
Relate the term 'substrate' to enzyme specificity: Enzymes are highly specific to their substrates due to the precise shape and chemical properties of their active sites. This specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only particular reactions.
Conclude that the correct term for the molecule on which an enzyme acts is 'substrate,' as it is the starting material that undergoes transformation during the enzymatic reaction.