In an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, what is the reactant called?

In an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, the reactant is referred to as the substrate. The substrate is the specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon, and it binds to the active site of the enzyme to form an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction facilitates the conversion of the substrate into products, which is a key aspect of enzymatic activity.

Understanding the role of the substrate is crucial because it determines how effectively an enzyme can catalyze a reaction. The enzyme specifically recognizes the substrate, and variations in structure or concentration of the substrate can influence the rate of the reaction. This concept underpins much of biochemical research and applications, from metabolic pathways to industrial enzyme use.

The terms 'product,' 'enzyme,' and 'catalyst' refer to different components in the biochemical process. The product is the outcome of the reaction after the substrate is transformed. The enzyme is the protein that facilitates the reaction without being consumed in the process. A catalyst, meanwhile, is a broader term that encompasses any substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, which includes enzymes but can also refer to inorganic catalysts. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific roles that different molecules play in biochemical reactions.