What are some examples of competitive inhibitors in biochemistry?

What are some examples of competitive inhibitors in biochemistry?

Competitive inhibitors are molecules that resemble the substrate of an enzyme and compete for binding to the active site. A classic example is methotrexate, which inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase.

Can you explain how methotrexate works as a competitive inhibitor?

Sure! Methotrexate mimics the substrate dihydrofolate, allowing it to bind to the active site of the enzyme. This prevents the actual substrate from binding, thus inhibiting the enzyme's activity.

Are there any other examples of competitive inhibitors?

Yes, another example is statins, which inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis.

How do competitive inhibitors affect enzyme activity?

Competitive inhibitors decrease the rate of enzyme activity by blocking the active site, but their effects can be overcome by increasing substrate concentration.