Chapter 21, Problem 24A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The general name given to the molecule acted by an enzyme must be explained. The meaning of an enzyme to be specific for the molecule must also be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Enzymes are biocatalysts which perform several biochemical reactions in the cell.

Answer to Problem 24A

The general name which is given to the molecule acted by an enzyme is substrate.

The enzyme is specific for its molecule means the enzyme will selectively bind with the molecule though other molecules are present.

Explanation of Solution

Enzyme acts on the substrate and converts it to product molecule. In most of the cases, the name of the enzyme is derived from the name of the substrate. For example, an enzyme which acts on sucrose (invert sugar) is known as sucrose or invertage.

An enzyme will bind with its substrate if there is structural complementarity between the substrate and enzyme which is like “Lock and Key”. A lock can be unlocked by a particular key only. Similarly an enzyme can bind with its substrate specifically in spite of presence of thousands of other molecules.

Conclusion

A general name given to the molecule on which enzyme acts is substrate. Enzyme is specific to its substrate as it selective binds with the substrate.