Chapter 19.8, Problem 19.3CIAP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of inhibition which is imposed on HIV protease by ritonavir has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Enzyme:

• It is a protein or a molecule which can act as a catalyst for a biological reaction.
• Does not affect the equilibrium point of the reaction.
• Active site of the enzyme is the region where the reaction takes place.
• Enzyme’s activity can be specific which means the activity is limited to a certain substrate and a certain type of reaction and it is referred to as specificity of the enzyme.

Enzyme inhibitors: The substance which slows or stops the action of an enzyme is called enzyme inhibitors.

It can be used as drugs and an example is AZT which is used to treat HIV.

Competitive inhibition: It is a type of inhibition occurs when the inhibitor resembles very much to the substrate and thus prevents the substrate binding.