Indicate whether each of the following would be a substrate (S) or an enzyme (E): (16.4)


a. glucose

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: A substrate is a molecule upon which an enzyme acts. An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes chemical reactions.
2. Identify the role of glucose in biochemical reactions. Glucose is a simple sugar that is often involved in metabolic processes.
3. Consider the context of glucose in metabolic pathways. Glucose is typically a substrate in reactions such as glycolysis.
4. Recall that enzymes are proteins that facilitate reactions, while substrates are the molecules that are transformed during these reactions.
5. Conclude that glucose, being a molecule that undergoes transformation in metabolic pathways, is a substrate (S).

Key Concepts

Substrate

A substrate is a molecule upon which an enzyme acts. In biochemical reactions, substrates bind to the active site of enzymes, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products. For example, glucose serves as a substrate for various enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis.

Enzyme

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions in living organisms. Enzymes are typically proteins that lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to occur more efficiently. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, which determines its function in metabolic processes.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The enzyme-substrate complex is a temporary molecular structure formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme. This complex is crucial for the catalytic activity of the enzyme, as it stabilizes the transition state and facilitates the conversion of substrates into products. Understanding this interaction is key to grasping how enzymes function in biochemical reactions.