catalytic subunit

A catalytic subunit is a part of an enzyme responsible for its main activity—driving the chemical reaction. Enzymes often have multiple parts, with the catalytic subunit acting as the active site where substrates (the molecules involved) bind and are transformed into products. Think of it as the "worker" in an enzyme team, doing the core job. This subunit ensures the enzyme can efficiently facilitate specific biochemical reactions fundamental to processes like digestion, signaling, or cell regulation.