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Enzymes definitions

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  • Enzyme
    A globular protein or RNA molecule that accelerates chemical reactions by interacting with substrates at a specific region.
  • Active Site
    A specialized region on a protein or RNA catalyst where substrates bind and reactions are facilitated.
  • Substrate
    A reactant molecule that specifically associates with a catalyst to undergo transformation into products.
  • Enzyme-Substrate Complex
    A transient association formed when a reactant binds to a catalyst, enabling the reaction to proceed efficiently.
  • Ribozyme
    An RNA-based catalyst capable of facilitating biochemical reactions, distinct from protein-based catalysts.
  • Product
    A molecule generated from the transformation of a reactant during a catalyzed chemical process.
  • Equilibrium
    A state in a reaction where the rates of forward and reverse processes are equal, resulting in constant reactant and product concentrations.
  • Energy of Activation
    The energy difference between reactants and the highest-energy intermediate, determining the speed of a reaction.
  • Transition State
    An unstable, high-energy configuration at the peak of a reaction's energy profile, crucial for transformation.
  • Kinetics
    The study of reaction rates and how they are influenced by factors such as catalysts and energy barriers.
  • Thermodynamic Favorability
    A measure of whether a reaction can occur spontaneously, based on the energy difference between reactants and products.
  • Equilibrium Constant
    A ratio reflecting the concentrations of products and reactants at equilibrium, unaffected by catalysts.
  • Metabolic Pathway
    A series of interconnected biochemical reactions, often regulated by catalysts, that sustain cellular functions.
  • Anabolic Reaction
    A biosynthetic process within cells that assembles complex molecules from simpler ones, often requiring energy.
  • Catabolic Reaction
    A degradative process in cells that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.