Ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, acts as an inhibitor to catechol oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the browning reaction in fruits such as apples, peaches, and pears.One explanation for the inhibiting function of ascorbic acid could be its similarity, in terms of size and shape, to catechol, the substrate of the browning reaction.If this explanation is correct, then this inhibition is most likely an example of _______ inhibition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar in size and shape to the substrate competes for the active site of the enzyme, which is the case described for ascorbic acid and catechol oxidase.

Ascorbic Acid, Which Is Found in Citrus Fruits, Acts as an Inhibitor