Some insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos, work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which normally breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Where does this insecticide most likely bind to inhibit the enzyme's activity?
A)Any location on the amino acid chain that forms the AChE enyzme
B)A sequence of DNA nucleotides that encodes the AChE enzyme protein molecule
C)It does not need to bind with the enzyme directly
D)The part of an enzyme that combines with acetlycholine

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chlorpyrifos likely binds to the part of the AChE enzyme that combines with acetylcholine in order to inhibit its activity. Binding at any other location on the amino acid chain or at the DNA level would likely not have the same effect on the enzyme's activity. Chlorpyrifos does directly bind to AChE, rather than working through an indirect mechanism.

Some Insecticides, Such as Chlorpyrifos, Work by Inhibiting the Enzyme