In the citric acid cycle, succinate dehydrogenase catalyzes the conversion of succinate to fumarate. This reaction is inhibited by malonate, which resembles succinate but cannot be acted upon by succinate dehydrogenase. Increasing the ratio of succinate molecules to those of malonate in the reaction reduces the inhibitory effect of malonate. What role does malonate play with respect to succinate dehydrogenase?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malonate acts as a competitive inhibitor because it competes with succinate for the active site of succinate dehydrogenase. The inhibition can be overcome by increasing the concentration of succinate, which is characteristic of competitive inhibition.

In the Citric Acid Cycle, Succinate Dehydrogenase Catalyzes the Conversion