Chromogenic substrate

Chromogenic Substrate

A chromogenic substrate is a type of substrate that undergoes a detectable color change when acted upon by an enzyme. This color change is typically the result of a chemical reaction that produces a colored product, making chromogenic substrates useful in a variety of scientific and industrial applications.

Overview

Chromogenic substrates are widely used in biochemistry, microbiology, and diagnostics due to their ability to produce a visible signal in response to specific biochemical reactions. The color change can be measured quantitatively using spectrophotometry, allowing for precise analysis of enzyme activity.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for a chromogenic substrate involves the interaction between the substrate and an enzyme. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction that changes the substrate's structure, leading to the production of a colored compound. This color change can be used to indicate the presence or activity of the enzyme.

Applications

Chromogenic substrates have a wide range of applications in various fields. In clinical diagnostics, they are used in tests for certain diseases and conditions. In research, they are used to study enzyme kinetics and to identify and quantify specific enzymes. In industry, they are used in quality control and process monitoring.

Types of Chromogenic Substrates

There are many types of chromogenic substrates, each designed to react with a specific enzyme. Some common examples include tetrazolium salts, which are used with dehydrogenase enzymes, and p-nitrophenyl phosphate, which is used with phosphatase enzymes.

See Also

• Enzyme substrate
• Enzyme assay
• Colorimetry (chemical method)

Chromogenic substrate Resources
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