The elementary catalytic system model as a building unit of large enzymatic systems: General model

Abstract

A model of an elementary catalytic system (ECS) is suggested, derived from the notions of the general theory of systems, which is capable of performing a single elementary catalytic act (ECA). For large chemical systems involving high numbers of ECAs occurring on various ECSs, the system's action becomes increasingly effective when component ECSs are coupled into complex structures. Models are suggested to describe these couples and several fundamental theorems are proved concerning the possible structures. Complex catalytic systems are shown to contain finite numbers of ECSs.