define enzymes active site and substrates
Enzymes: Enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze chemical reactions within living organisms. They play a crucial role in speeding up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
Active site: The active site of an enzyme is the region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction takes place. It is a specific pocket or crevice on the enzyme molecule that allows it to interact with its substrate and facilitate the conversion of the substrate into a product.
Substrates: Substrates are the molecules that bind to the active site of an enzyme and undergo a chemical reaction to form products. Each enzyme has a specific substrate or group of substrates that it can bind to and catalyze a reaction with. The substrates and enzyme interact through specific molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, to facilitate the reaction.