ACTIVE SITE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "active site" refers to a specific region within a protein or enzyme molecule where the chemical reactions catalyzed by the protein occur. It is a three-dimensional region that possesses a unique shape and structure, allowing it to bind with substrate molecules. The active site plays a crucial role in facilitating and promoting the chemical reaction, as it provides a suitable environment for the reaction to occur while offering specific functional groups that interact with the substrate.
The active site is typically formed by a small portion of the protein or enzyme molecule and may involve amino acid residues from different parts of the protein chain, brought together in close proximity by the folding of the molecule. The binding of the substrate to the active site is often described as a "lock and key" mechanism, where the active site acts as the lock, and the substrate molecule serves as the key that specifically fits into the active site's shape.
The active site's precise structure is vital for its function, as any alteration in its shape can impair or completely inhibit its catalytic activity. This is why active sites are often highly conserved during evolution to maintain their function across different species.
Understanding the active site's properties and mechanisms of action is crucial for various scientific fields, as it helps researchers develop strategies to inhibit or regulate the activity of specific enzymes and proteins. Targeting the active site with specific molecules, known as inhibitors, can be a powerful approach in designing drugs to combat diseases or interfere with biochemical pathways.
Common Misspellings for ACTIVE SITE
- zctive site
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Etymology of ACTIVE SITE
The word "active site" is a compound term comprised of two parts: "active" and "site".
The term "active" originates from the Latin word "activus", meaning "doing, performing, or operating". It also comes from the Latin verb "agere", meaning "to do, act, or drive". The word "active" in English generally refers to something that is involved in an action or is actively functioning.
On the other hand, "site" comes from the Latin word "situs", which means "position, place, or location". It is also connected to the Latin verb "sitere", which means "to be situated or located". English, "site" refers to a specific location or place.
Therefore, the etymology of "active site" can be understood as a combination of "active", referring to something performing or operating, and "site", implying a specific position or location.
Similar spelling words for ACTIVE SITE
- active set,
- active birth,
- activase,
- active citizen,
- activeness,
- activate,
- activism,
- active placebo,
- activist,
- activated,
- active voice,
- actively,
- activistic,
- active trust,
- activity,
- activewear,
- active agent.
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