active site

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. the part of an enzyme that interacts with the substrate during catalysis.

---

active site Scientific  

1. The part of an enzyme where the catalytic activity on the substrate takes place.

2. See more at enzyme

---

active site Cultural  

1. The part of an enzyme or antibody where a chemical reaction occurs.

---

Etymology

Origin of active site

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

In this catalyst, each individual indium atom acts as its own active site.

From Science Daily

The free radical generated from photochemistry comes into play here, entering the enzyme active site and engaging the enzymatic intermediate to enable new chemistry.

From Science Daily

ATP is the central energy carrier of the cell which supports numerous molecular processes, while, histidine is the most common amino acid found in the active site of enzymes, and maintains their acid-base chemistry.

From Science Daily

The model allowed them to identify a protein that interacts with the DNA as it is being transcribed and guides it to the enzyme's active site.

From Science Daily

The drugs work by attaching to a pocket adjacent to the active site, inducing an allosteric conformational change in the protein that prevents it from being activated.

From Science Daily