Inhibition of an enzyme is irreversible when
A)a competitive inhibitor is involved.
B)a noncompetitive inhibitor is involved.
C)the shape of the enzyme is changed.
D)covalent bonds form between inhibitor and enzyme.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When covalent bonds form between inhibitor and enzyme, the inhibition becomes irreversible as it involves a permanent alteration of the enzyme structure. Competitive and noncompetitive inhibition can be reversible because they do not involve permanent changes to the enzyme structure. The shape of the enzyme can also change with reversible inhibition, but this does not necessarily mean the inhibition is irreversible.

Inhibition of an Enzyme Is Irreversible When