Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent used in many household products. It is structurally similar to polychlorobiphenylol, a substrate that binds to the active site of the enzyme sulfotransferase. Based on these facts, you can conclude that triclosan most likely
A) lowers the activation energy of chemical reactions.
B) acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor.
C) is a competitive inhibitor.
D) functions as an enzyme when sulfotransferase is absent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Triclosan's structural similarity to polychlorobiphenylol, a known substrate for sulfotransferase, suggests that triclosan can bind to the same active site on the enzyme, thereby blocking access for the actual substrate. This mode of action is characteristic of competitive inhibitors, which compete with the substrate for binding to the enzyme's active site.

Triclosan Is a Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Agent Used in Many Household