How are enzyme inhibitors used in research?

What are enzyme inhibitors and why are they important in research?

Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that bind to enzymes and decrease their activity. They're crucial in research for understanding enzyme functions and developing drugs.

Can you give me an example of how enzyme inhibitors are used in drug development?

Sure! Enzyme inhibitors are often used to design drugs that target specific enzymes involved in diseases, like cancer or bacterial infections.

What methods are used to study enzyme inhibitors?

Common methods include kinetic assays, structural biology techniques like X-ray crystallography, and computational modeling.

Are there any risks associated with using enzyme inhibitors in research?

Yes, potential risks include off-target effects and the possibility of developing resistance in pathogens when used in drug development.