Question

Transition state structure of the substrate formed during an enzymatic reation is

• A. Temporary but stable.
• B. Permanent but unstable.
• C. Temporary and unstable.
• D. Permanent and stable.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Temporary and unstable.

During an enzymatic reaction, a substrate goes through a transition state before it becomes a product. It is proposed that the transition state is bound more strongly than either the substrate or the product, however, the transition state is inherently unstable and are transient.