Question

What happens to the enzyme and the substrate during a chemical reaction?
What does it mean by enzymes being “specific”?
What happens when a substrate with a different shape from the active site
tries to enter the active site?

Answer 1

During a chemical reaction, a substrate specific for the active site of the enzyme will fit into it.

Explanation:

• a) The substrate fits into the active site of an enzyme during a chemical reaction. After changes in the substrate are made the substrate are made, the substrate moves and another substrate fits into the active site. The shape of the active site remains unchanged.

• b) An enzyme has a specific active site. Only specific substrates can fit into the active site of an enzyme. Due to this reason, enzymes are known to be specific.

• c) When a substrate with a different shape tries to fit into the active site of an enzyme, then a chemical reaction will not occur.