Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Enzyme Inhibition

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Enzyme Inhibition

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Problem L3.3

Textbook Question

Many drugs and poisons exert their effects by blocking one or more enzymes. How could blocking an enzyme lead to the death of a cell?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of enzymes in cellular function: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions necessary for cell survival, such as energy production, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.

Identify the specific enzyme being blocked: Blocking an enzyme disrupts the pathway it is involved in. For example, if the enzyme is part of the glycolysis pathway, the cell may lose its ability to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

Explain the downstream effects of enzyme inhibition: When an enzyme is blocked, the substrate it acts on accumulates, and the product it normally produces is not formed. This can lead to a metabolic bottleneck, disrupting cellular homeostasis.

Connect enzyme inhibition to cell death: Without the products of critical enzymatic reactions (e.g., ATP for energy, nucleotides for DNA synthesis), the cell cannot maintain essential processes like membrane integrity, repair mechanisms, or ion balance, ultimately leading to cell death.

Relate this to the broader physiological impact: If enough cells in a tissue or organ die due to enzyme inhibition, it can lead to organ failure and, in severe cases, death of the organism.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enzymatic Function

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in cells. They are crucial for metabolic processes, including digestion, energy production, and biosynthesis. When an enzyme is blocked, the reaction it catalyzes cannot proceed, leading to a disruption in the cell's normal functions.

Metabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways are series of interconnected biochemical reactions that convert substrates into products. Each step is typically facilitated by a specific enzyme. Blocking an enzyme in a pathway can halt the entire process, resulting in the accumulation of toxic substances or the depletion of essential metabolites, which can ultimately lead to cell death.

Cellular Homeostasis

Cellular homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions necessary for cell survival, including pH, ion concentrations, and energy levels. Enzymes play a vital role in regulating these conditions. If an enzyme is inhibited, it can disrupt homeostasis, causing stress or damage to the cell, which may result in apoptosis or necrosis.