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Multiple Choice
Which term describes a molecule that decreases the activity of an enzyme by binding to its active site?
A
Competitive inhibitor
B
Allosteric activator
C
Substrate
D
Cofactor
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of the active site in enzyme function. The active site is the region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction. It is highly specific to the substrate's shape and chemical properties.
Step 2: Define the term 'competitive inhibitor.' A competitive inhibitor is a molecule that resembles the substrate and competes for binding to the enzyme's active site, thereby decreasing the enzyme's activity by preventing the substrate from binding.
Step 3: Compare the other options provided in the question. An allosteric activator binds to a site other than the active site and increases enzyme activity, which is not relevant here. A substrate is the molecule that the enzyme acts upon, and a cofactor is a non-protein molecule that assists enzyme function but does not inhibit activity.
Step 4: Recognize that the molecule described in the question decreases enzyme activity by binding to the active site, which matches the definition of a competitive inhibitor.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct term for the molecule described in the question is 'competitive inhibitor,' based on its mechanism of action and the provided options.