Chapter 19.10, Problem 19.14Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The difference between an irreversible inhibitor and a reversible competitive inhibitor has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The activity of an enzyme to act as an catalyst may be reduced drastically when certain chemicals intervene and compete with the natural substrate of the enzyme to bind at the active site. These chemicals are referred to as enzyme inhibitors. Certain drug molecule such as penicillin serves as a useful inhibitor as they inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.

Enzyme inhibition can occur via several mechanisms such as irreversible inhibition and reversible competitive inhibition.