A biologist working in a lab adds a compound to a solution that contains an enzyme and substrate. This compound binds to the enzyme and decreases the rate at which the enzyme converts substrate to product. This decrease in enzyme activity persists even if the concentration of substrate in the reaction mix is increased. Therefore, which of the following is TRUE of the compound?
A)The compound is an allosteric activator.
B)The compound is an allosteric inhibitor.
C)The compound binds to the active site of the enzyme.
D)The compound is a catalyst for the reaction.
E)None of the other answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound is an allosteric inhibitor as it binds to the enzyme and reduces its activity, regardless of the concentration of substrate present. This suggests that the compound is binding to a separate site on the enzyme, rather than the active site, and causing a conformational change that reduces enzymatic activity.

A Biologist Working in a Lab Adds a Compound to a Solution