What is enzyme inhibition and how does it work?

What is enzyme inhibition and how does it work?

Enzyme inhibition is a process where a molecule binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. This can occur through various mechanisms.

What are the different types of enzyme inhibition?

There are two main types: competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site.

Can you give me an example of a competitive inhibitor?

Sure! A common example is methotrexate, which inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, competing with the substrate.

How does non-competitive inhibition affect enzyme activity?

Non-competitive inhibition reduces the overall number of active enzyme molecules, regardless of substrate concentration, leading to decreased reaction rates.

Why is enzyme inhibition important in medicine?

Enzyme inhibition is crucial in drug design, as many medications work by inhibiting specific enzymes to treat diseases.