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Author: Nathan Lampson

 

Enzymes are proteins that speed up the chemical reactions associated with substrate molecules.  When an enzyme attaches to a substrate it weakens its chemical bonds.  The area on an enzyme where substrates attach is known as the active site.  Once a substrate attaches to the active site of an enzyme and undergoes a chemical reaction, products are formed.

 

Enzymes have specific shapes for them to fit specific substrates that they are associated with.  The active site for an enzyme is like a glove that specifically fits only certain substrates.

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