Saturated

Enzymology:
Populations of enzymes are saturated when all the individual enzyme molecules potentially have a bound substrate. This makes the step of converting the enzyme-substrate complex to product rate limiting.

Sat"u*ra`ted (?), a.

1.

Filled to repletion; holding by absorption, or in solution, all that is possible; as, saturated garments; a saturated solution of salt.

2. Chem.

Having its affinity satisfied; combined with all it can hold; -- said of certain atoms, radicals, or compounds; thus, methane is a saturated compound. Contrasted with unsaturated.

⇒ A saturated compound may exchange certain ingredients for others, but can not take on more without such exchange.

Saturated color Optics, a color not diluted with white; a pure unmixed color, like those of the spectrum.

© Webster 1913.