Question

Condition A : Substrate X, specific for Enzyme E1, can be replaced by molecule C (which blocks the enzyme), if C is present in more concentration.
Condition B : Substrate Y can never bind to Enzyme E2, if molecule D binds to the enzyme.
a. At which sites are molecules C and D binding to the enzyme E1 and E2 respectivbely?
b. Which kind of inhibitors are C and D?
c. Describe another factor which can effect an enzyme's activity.

Answer 1

(a) The part of the enzyme where the substrate binds is called the active site(since that’s where the catalytic “action” happens).

(b) C is a Competitive inhibitor as it is competing with the substrate while D is a non-competitive inhibitor as it does not allow the substrate to bind the site at all.

(c) Other factors like temperature, pH and ionic concentration degrade the enzyme and inhibit its activity