pinds to the active site of an enzyme clows the reaction down at low substrat

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...
icon
Related questions
Question
### 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.
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.
Expert Solution
Step 1

A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site of an enzyme.

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY