What is a substrate in enzymatic reactions?

In enzymatic reactions, a substrate is defined as the specific substance that an enzyme acts upon to initiate a chemical reaction and produce products. This interaction is fundamental to enzymatic activity, as the enzyme binds to the substrate at its active site, facilitating the conversion of the substrate into the product(s) through a series of chemical changes. The specificity of enzymes means that each one is designed to work with a particular substrate or group of substrates, leading to efficient biochemical reactions within organisms.

The other concepts are relevant in enzymology, but they describe different roles. The term for an inhibitor relates to substances that impede the action of enzymes rather than participating in the reaction. Products, on the other hand, are the end results of enzymatic reactions, produced after the substrate has been transformed. Additionally, coenzymes play a supportive role in enzymatic activity by assisting enzymes but are not substrates themselves. Understanding the role of substrates is crucial in the study of metabolism and the function of enzymes in biological systems.