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Multiple Choice
How does a noncompetitive inhibitor decrease the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction?
A
It increases the enzyme's affinity for the substrate, thereby decreasing $K_m$.
B
It competes with the substrate for binding at the active site, increasing the apparent $K_m$ but not affecting $V_{max}$.
C
It binds to an allosteric site on the enzyme, reducing the maximum velocity ($V_{max}$) without affecting the substrate's binding affinity ($K_m$).
D
It binds irreversibly to the enzyme's active site, permanently inactivating the enzyme.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme inhibition: Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to an allosteric site on the enzyme, which is a site other than the active site. This binding alters the enzyme's structure or function, reducing its catalytic efficiency.
Recognize the key distinction between noncompetitive inhibition and other types of inhibition: Unlike competitive inhibitors, noncompetitive inhibitors do not compete with the substrate for the active site. Therefore, the substrate's binding affinity ($K_m$) remains unchanged.
Analyze the effect on reaction kinetics: Noncompetitive inhibitors decrease the maximum velocity ($V_{max}$) of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction because they reduce the number of functional enzyme molecules available for catalysis. This occurs regardless of substrate concentration.
Understand why $K_m$ is unaffected: Since the inhibitor does not interfere with substrate binding at the active site, the enzyme's affinity for the substrate remains constant, and $K_m$ is not altered.
Summarize the mechanism: Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to an allosteric site, causing a conformational change in the enzyme that reduces its catalytic activity. This results in a lower $V_{max}$ while leaving $K_m$ unchanged.