In covalent catalysis, a powerful nucleophilic R-group in the active site (e.g., the -SH of cysteine or -OH of serine) forms a transient covalent bond with the substrate. This acyl-enzyme intermediate is then resolved by another step, releasing the product and regenerating the free enzyme.
In covalent catalysis, a powerful nucleophilic R-group in the active site (e.g., the -SH of cysteine or -OH of serine) forms a transient covalent bond with the substrate. This acyl-enzyme intermediate is then resolved by another step, releasing the product and regenerating the free enzyme.