Biochemistry : Types of Inhibition

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Identifying Type Of Inhibition

Enzyme A and Enzyme B are inhibited by two unknown inhibitors. The result of the inhibition on A is that the \(\displaystyle V_{max}\) decreases, but there is no change in the \(\displaystyle K_{m}\)The \(\displaystyle V_{max}\) and \(\displaystyle K_m\) on Enzyme B both decrease. What type of inhibition do Enzyme A and Enzyme B undergo respectively?

Possible Answers:

Uncompetitive, noncompetitive

Competitive, uncompetitive

Noncompetitive, competitive

Uncompetitive, competitive

Noncompetitive, uncompetitive

Correct answer:

Noncompetitive, uncompetitive

Explanation:

A competitive inhibitor acts the increase the \(\displaystyle K_m\) of a reaction, but does not alter the \(\displaystyle V_{max}\). This does not describe the inhibition on Enzyme A or Enzyme B. A noncompetitive inhibitor decreases the \(\displaystyle V_{max}\), but does not change the \(\displaystyle K_m\). This is the inhibition that is described on Enzyme A. An uncompetitive inhibitor decreases both the \(\displaystyle V_{max}\) and the \(\displaystyle K_m\). This is the inhibition that is described on Enzyme B.

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