Active centre meaning

An active centre is the specific area within an enzyme where a substrate binds and a chemical reaction takes place.


Active centre definitions

Word backwards evitca ertnec
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ac-tive cen-tre
Plural The plural of the phrase "active centre" is "active centres."
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (5) c,t,v,n,r

An active center refers to a site within a protein or enzyme where a specific biological activity takes place. This area is crucial for the function of the protein or enzyme, as it is where substrates bind and reactions occur.

Importance of Active Centers

Active centers play a vital role in the catalytic function of proteins and enzymes. They provide a specific environment for chemical reactions to take place efficiently and with high specificity. Without active centers, proteins and enzymes would not be able to perform their biological functions.

Structure of Active Centers

The structure of active centers varies depending on the protein or enzyme. Some active centers consist of a pocket where substrates bind, while others contain metal ions or cofactors that facilitate the catalytic reaction. The amino acid residues within the active center are typically highly conserved to maintain the catalytic function.

Examples of Active Centers

Examples of active centers include the heme group in hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in red blood cells, and the active site of enzymes such as DNA polymerase, which catalyzes the replication of DNA. These active centers are essential for the proper functioning of these biological molecules.

Active centers are not only found in proteins and enzymes but can also be present in other biological molecules, such as ribozymes. These RNA molecules also have specific sites where catalytic reactions occur.

Understanding the role of active centers is crucial in various fields, including biochemistry, pharmacology, and drug design. By studying the structure and function of active centers, researchers can develop targeted therapies and design new drugs that specifically interact with these sites.


Active centre Examples

  1. The active centre of the town is always bustling with activity.
  2. The gym's active centre offers a variety of exercise classes.
  3. The research lab's active centre is focused on finding a cure for cancer.
  4. The community center's active centre hosts events for all ages.
  5. The company's active centre is where all the decision-making happens.
  6. The university's active centre is a hub of student organizations and activities.
  7. The park's active centre is a popular spot for picnics and games.
  8. The hospital's active centre is where the emergency room is located.
  9. The shopping mall's active centre is filled with shops and restaurants.
  10. The software company's active centre is where the developers work on new features.


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  • Updated 30/03/2024 - 22:59:44