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 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

Figure 4.9 Allosteric inhibition works by indirectly inducing a conformational change to the active site such that the substrate no longer fits.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

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