Students conducting research observe the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction under various conditions with a fixed amount of enzyme in each sample. When will increasing the substrate concentration likely result in the greatest increase in the reaction rate?
A) when a cofactor is required in the reaction
B) when an allosteric inhibitor is present in the reaction
C) when a noncompetitive inhibitor is present in the reaction
D) when a competitive inhibitor is present in the reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the substrate concentration is most effective in overcoming the effects of a competitive inhibitor. Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. By increasing the substrate concentration, the chance of the substrate binding to the enzyme rather than the inhibitor increases, thus increasing the reaction rate.

Students Conducting Research Observe the Rate of an Enzyme-Catalyzed Reaction