active site

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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active site Scientific  

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

2. See more at enzyme

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active site Cultural  

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

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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 • Mar. 20, 2026

"The turnover of hydrogen takes place at the active site, the H-cluster, inside the enzyme," explains Thomas Happe.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2023

Forest Service stipulates that the observatory must remain an active site for research, astronomy or education — or be dismantled down to its last historic bolt.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2023

It was an active site for about three hundred years before being abandoned for reasons unknown.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Since enzymes are proteins, there is a unique combination of amino acid side chains within the active site.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013