Multiple Choice
Which of the following describes how a competitive inhibitor works in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?
3. Acids and Bases
Organic Chemistry Reactions
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Which statement explains the effect of an inhibitor on an enzyme in organic chemistry reactions?
A
An inhibitor has no effect on the enzyme's activity or the reaction rate.
B
An inhibitor increases the rate of reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway.
C
An inhibitor decreases the rate of reaction by binding to the active site of the enzyme.
D
An inhibitor increases the enzyme's affinity for the substrate, enhancing the reaction rate.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of enzymes in organic chemistry: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Identify the function of an inhibitor: An inhibitor is a molecule that decreases the activity of an enzyme, thereby reducing the rate of the reaction it catalyzes.
Explore how inhibitors work: Inhibitors can bind to the active site of an enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding. This type of inhibition is known as competitive inhibition.
Consider the effect on reaction rate: By binding to the active site, the inhibitor competes with the substrate, effectively decreasing the enzyme's ability to catalyze the reaction, thus lowering the reaction rate.
Clarify the incorrect options: An inhibitor does not increase the reaction rate or the enzyme's affinity for the substrate. Instead, it decreases the reaction rate by interfering with the enzyme's normal function.
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