Penicillin is an example of a mechanism-based enzyme inactivator and is a(n):
A) competitive inhibitor.
B) noncompetitive inhibitor.
C) suicide substrate.
D) uncompetitive inhibitor.
E) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Penicillin is considered a mechanism-based enzyme inactivator, also known as a suicide substrate, because it irreversibly binds to the active site of bacterial enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis and inactivates them. This process stops the growth and division of bacteria, leading to their eventual death. Penicillin is not a competitive or noncompetitive inhibitor and is not uncompetitive.

Penicillin Is an Example of a Mechanism-Based Enzyme Inactivator and Is