Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry reactions, what characteristic enables competitive inhibitors to bind to a specific enzyme?
A
Higher molecular weight than the substrate
B
Presence of a metal ion in the inhibitor
C
Structural similarity to the substrate
D
Ability to form covalent bonds with the enzyme
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme-substrate interaction: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by binding to substrates at their active sites.
Recognize the role of competitive inhibitors: Competitive inhibitors are molecules that bind to the active site of an enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding.
Identify the key characteristic of competitive inhibitors: Competitive inhibitors often have structural similarity to the substrate, allowing them to fit into the enzyme's active site.
Consider the implications of structural similarity: Because competitive inhibitors resemble the substrate, they can effectively compete for binding at the active site, reducing the enzyme's activity.
Reflect on why other characteristics are less relevant: Higher molecular weight, presence of a metal ion, or ability to form covalent bonds are not typically the primary factors for competitive inhibition, as structural similarity is crucial for binding competition.