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Multiple Choice
Which of the following types of enzyme inhibitors primarily target protein conformation?
A
Uncompetitive inhibitors
B
Allosteric activators
C
Competitive inhibitors
D
Noncompetitive inhibitors
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme inhibition: Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that reduce or prevent the activity of enzymes. They can act by binding to the enzyme and altering its function or structure.
Review the mechanism of noncompetitive inhibitors: Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to a site other than the active site of the enzyme. This binding causes a conformational change in the enzyme, which reduces its ability to catalyze the reaction effectively.
Compare noncompetitive inhibitors with other types: Competitive inhibitors bind directly to the active site, preventing substrate binding. Uncompetitive inhibitors bind only to the enzyme-substrate complex, stabilizing it and reducing enzyme activity. Allosteric activators enhance enzyme activity by binding to allosteric sites, but they are not inhibitors.
Focus on protein conformation: Noncompetitive inhibitors primarily target protein conformation by inducing structural changes in the enzyme, which affects its catalytic activity without competing with the substrate for the active site.
Conclude that noncompetitive inhibitors are the correct answer: Based on the mechanism of action, noncompetitive inhibitors are the type of enzyme inhibitors that primarily target protein conformation.