Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Competitive Inhibition
**A competitive inhibitor** is a molecule that affects enzyme activity in biochemical reactions. Here are some key points about how competitive inhibitors function:
- **Has little effect on the reaction at very high substrate concentration**: Competitive inhibitors are less effective when there is a high concentration of substrate. The substrate can outcompete the inhibitor for the active site of the enzyme, reducing the inhibitor's effect.
- **Binds to the active site of an enzyme**: The competitive inhibitor mimics the substrate structure and binds to the enzyme's active site. This prevents the actual substrate from binding, thereby reducing the reaction rate under normal conditions.
- **Slows the reaction down at low substrate concentrations**: At low substrate concentrations, competitive inhibitors significantly slow down the reaction by effectively blocking the active site and preventing substrate binding.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending how enzymes are regulated in biological processes.
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