Definition
In catalysis, an active site is the specific location on the surface of a catalyst where reactions take place. For example, in surface chemistry, this could be a specific set of surface sites, and in biochemistry, it is a particular surface or cleft of a protein enzyme or ribozyme surface where catalysis occurs. In protein enzymes, the active site is generally a pocket or cleft with specific amino acid side chains presented in particular orientations that bind a substrate and facilitate catalysis. Cofactors facilitating catalysis may also be bound in the active site.
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© 2022 Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature
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Cleaves, H.J. (2022). Active Site. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_26-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_26-4
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Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-27833-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27833-4
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics
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Chapter history
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Latest
Active Site- Published:
- 24 December 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_26-4
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Original
Active Site- Published:
- 14 April 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_26-3