Which of the following is the most distinctive property of a competitive inhibitor?
A) binding to the enzyme-substrate complex
B) binding to both the enzyme-substrate complex and free enzyme
C) no effect on Vmax
D) a covalent bond formed between the inhibitor and the enzyme

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for binding to the active site of the enzyme, but do not change the rate of turnover (Vmax) once binding occurs. This is the most distinctive property of a competitive inhibitor. A is incorrect because competitive inhibitors typically bind to the free enzyme, not the enzyme-substrate complex. B is incorrect because this is true for mixed inhibitors. D is incorrect because this is true for irreversible inhibitors.

Which of the Following Is the Most Distinctive Property of a Competitive