Reaction co-ordinate for an uncatalysed compared with enzyme-catalysed reaction Reaction co-ordinate for an uncatalysed compared with enzyme-catalysed reaction A hypothetical energy profile for the reaction of a substrate (S) forming product (P) in the absence of catalysis is shown in black, while the hypothetical profile for the same reaction in an enzyme (E) catalysed reaction is shown in grey. In the absence of an enzyme, there is a large activation energy (Eauncat). In the enzyme-catalysed reaction the enzyme forms a complex with the substrate (ES) and the product (EP) and lowers the energy of the highest energy species on the reaction pathway, resulting in a lower activation energy (Eaenz). Amanda L. Jonsson et al. Essays Biochem. 2017;61:401-427 ©2017 by Portland Press Ltd