Enzyme-substrate complexes

An enzyme-substrate complex occurs when an enzyme binds temporarily to a specific molecule called the substrate. Think of the enzyme as a lock and the substrate as a key; the enzyme's active site is shaped to fit the substrate precisely. When they bind, the enzyme facilitates a chemical reaction, transforming the substrate into products. After the reaction, the enzyme releases the products and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze more reactions. This process ensures that biological reactions happen efficiently and accurately within cells.