In competitive inhibition, an inhibitor: A) binds at several different sites on an enzyme. B) binds covalently to the enzyme. C) binds only to the ES complex. D) binds reversibly at the active site. E) lowers the characteristic V_max of the enzyme.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds reversibly at the active site of the enzyme, competing with the substrate for binding. This results in an increase in the apparent Km (affinity of the enzyme for the substrate) without affecting the Vmax (maximum velocity of the reaction). As a result, higher substrate concentrations are required to achieve the same reaction rate, which can be overcome by increasing the substrate concentration.

In Competitive Inhibition, an Inhibitor