How does a noncompetitive inhibitor decrease the rate of an enzyme reaction?
A) by binding at the active site of the enzyme
B) by changing the shape of the enzyme's active site
C) by changing the free energy change of the reaction
D) by acting as a coenzyme for the reaction
E) by decreasing the activation energy of the reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A noncompetitive inhibitor binds to a site on the enzyme that is not the active site, causing a conformational change in the enzyme's structure that alters the shape of the active site. This, in turn, decreases the affinity of the enzyme for its substrate and slows down the rate of the enzymatic reaction.

How Does a Noncompetitive Inhibitor Decrease the Rate of an Enzyme