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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between catalytic site and binding site?

Posted January 22, 2024


Answer

Catalytic site and binding site are the two components of an enzyme’s active site. There are a few significant differences between the two. 

Catalytic site

The catalytic site refers to a specific area on an enzyme molecule where the actual reaction takes place. 

The primary function of the catalytic site is to lower the chemical activation energy, which helps catalyze the reaction of the substrate.

Binding site

The binding site refers to a specific area on a cellular structure or macromolecule where the chemical interaction with a specific active substance occurs.  

The primary function of the binding site is to bind and orient the substrate. The binding with the substrate is temporary.  

Additional resources

Allosteric communication between ACE2 active site and binding interface with SARS-CoV-2

Enzymes

Amplite® Fluorimetric Coenzyme A Quantitation Kit *Green Fluorescence*