Which of the Following Best Describes the Interaction Between an Enzyme

Question

Which of the following best describes the interaction between an enzyme and its substrate?
A)The enzyme surrounds and completely contains the substrate.
B)The substrate surrounds and completely contains the enzyme.
C)The enzyme temporarily deactivates the substrate.
D)Part of the enzyme temporarily binds part of the substrate molecule.

Accepted Answer

Enzymes have a specific active site where the substrate molecule binds. The active site only binds a specific part of the substrate molecule, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding is temporary and only occurs while the reaction is taking place. Choice D best describes this interaction, where a part of the enzyme temporarily binds part of the substrate molecule.