Chapter 19, Problem 1MCP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The hypothesis that could explain the mechanism of action of orlistat has to be developed, and the type of amino acids expected to be found at the active site has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Certain inhibitors may compete to bind at the active site of the enzyme as they resemble the structure of the natural substrate of that particular enzyme. They may occupy the active site for a transient period of time as they are held by only weak forces and thus dissociate quickly unlike the case of irreversible inhibition where usually strong covalent interaction does not allow the inhibitor to dissociate from the active site. The significance of such inhibition is that it can be reversed if the natural substrate can be bound to the enzyme with stronger forces or if the concentration of the natural substrate is increased.