A molecule that closely resembles the shape of a substrate for an enzyme and that decreases the activity of the enzyme would most likely serve as a(n)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A molecule that closely resembles the shape of a substrate for an enzyme and competes with it for binding to the active site is a competitive inhibitor. This type of inhibitor does not change the shape of the enzyme and can be overcome by increasing the concentration of the substrate. Noncompetitive inhibitors and allosteric inhibitors bind to the enzyme at a different site than the active site and change the enzyme's shape, leading to a decrease in activity. Allosteric activators increase enzyme activity by binding to an allosteric site and changing the shape of the enzyme to an active conformation.

A Molecule That Closely Resembles the Shape of a Substrate