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

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 • Apr. 18, 2024

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 • Dec. 18, 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

In contrast, in allosteric activation, the activator molecule modifies the shape of the active site to allow a better fit of the substrate.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

The chemical properties that emerge from the particular arrangement of amino acid R groups within an active site create the perfect environment for an enzyme’s specific substrates to react.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013