The molecule (molecules)that fits into the active site of an enzyme and reacts with the enzyme is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecule that fits into the active site of an enzyme and reacts with the enzyme is a substrate. Substrates are the reactants that are specifically recognized and bound by an enzyme in the active site, where the chemical reaction occurs. Enzymes catalyze the conversion of substrates into specific products by reducing the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because not all substrates are proteins; they can be other types of molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, or nucleic acids. Option B is incorrect because analogs are similar molecules that mimic the structure of a substrate, but may not interact with the enzyme in the same way. Option C is incorrect because not all substrates are carbohydrates. Finally, option E is incorrect because substrates can either be broken down or synthesized by enzymes, depending on the type of reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.

The Molecule (Molecules)that Fits into the Active Site of an Enzyme