Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions by interacting with specific molecules known as substrates. The interaction occurs at a specialized region of the enzyme called the active site, where the substrate binds to form what is known as the enzyme-substrate complex, abbreviated as ES. This complex is crucial for the catalytic process, as it allows the enzyme to convert the substrate into products.

The active site is a unique area on the enzyme that is specifically shaped to fit the substrate, ensuring a precise interaction. When the substrate binds to the active site, the enzyme-substrate complex is formed, which is essential for the reaction to proceed. After the reaction, the substrate is transformed into products, represented as P, and these products are released from the active site. Importantly, the enzyme itself remains unchanged throughout this process, allowing it to catalyze the same reaction repeatedly without being consumed.

This ability of enzymes to remain unaltered after catalysis is significant, as it enables them to facilitate numerous reactions over time, contributing to various biological processes. Understanding the enzyme-substrate complex is foundational for exploring further enzyme binding factors and their roles in biochemical reactions.