Question

What name is given to the specific portion of the enzyme molecule where catalysis actually occurs?

Short answer

The specific portion of the enzyme molecule where catalysis actually occurs is called the active site.

Step-by-step solution

Enzyme structure and function

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. They are made up of protein molecules and have a specific structure that allows them to bind to substrates (reactants) and facilitate the reaction. This binding occurs at a particular site of the enzyme called the active site.

Identifying the portion where catalysis occurs

The part of the enzyme where catalysis actually occurs is called the active site. The active site is where the enzyme binds to the substrate and facilitates the chemical reaction, ultimately producing the product(s).

Final answer

The specific portion of the enzyme molecule where catalysis actually occurs is called the active site.