What is a temporary structure formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme called?

The formation of a temporary structure when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme is referred to as an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex is crucial for the enzymatic reaction process, as it allows the enzyme to convert the substrate into products. When the substrate enters the active site of the enzyme, it forms this specific complex, which stabilizes the interaction and lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.

The term highlights the specific and temporary nature of this binding, indicating that it is an essential step in the mechanism of enzyme action. Understanding this concept is fundamental in biochemistry, as it underscores how enzymes function through precise molecular interactions.