A small molecule that DECREASES the activity of an enzyme by binding to a site other than the catalytic site is termed a(n):
A) allosteric inhibitor.
B) alternative inhibitor.
C) competitive inhibitor.
D) stereospecific agent.
E) transition-state analog.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An allosteric inhibitor is a small molecule that binds to a site on the enzyme other than the catalytic site and diminishes its activity by causing a conformational change that affects the enzyme's ability to bind to its substrate. A competitive inhibitor binds directly to the enzyme's active site, whereas an alternative inhibitor and stereospecific agent are not terms commonly used to describe enzyme inhibitors. A transition-state analog is a molecule that resembles the transition state of a reaction and can bind to the enzyme's active site to inhibit its activity.

A Small Molecule That DECREASES the Activity of an Enzyme