Active site

Description

Specific points of attachment in the structure of enzymes that are keyed to the geometry and chemistry of the functional group required for a given reaction. For example, for ester hydrolysis, an enzyme will specifically trap ester groups at its active sites and after the reaction steps occur, the enzyme will release the modified molecule. The activity of enzymes can be diminished by attaching inhibitors to the active sites.

Synonyms and Related Terms

site actif (Fr.)

Resources and Citations

• Richard C. Wolbers, Nanette T. Sterman, Chris Stavroudis, Notes for Workshop on New Methods in the Cleaning of Paintings, J.Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 1990

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_site (Accessed Feb. 2, 2006)