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Multiple Choice
Which of the following binds most tightly to the active site of an enzyme?
A
Substrate
B
Competitive inhibitor
C
Transition state analog
D
Product
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme active sites: Enzymes have specific regions called active sites where substrates bind and undergo chemical reactions. The binding affinity depends on the molecular structure and interactions between the enzyme and the molecule.
Learn about the transition state: The transition state is the high-energy intermediate formed during the conversion of a substrate into a product. Enzymes stabilize this state to lower the activation energy of the reaction.
Explore the role of transition state analogs: Transition state analogs are molecules that mimic the structure of the transition state but are stable and do not undergo the reaction. They bind very tightly to the enzyme's active site because the enzyme is designed to stabilize the transition state.
Compare binding affinities: Substrates, products, and competitive inhibitors bind to the active site, but their binding is generally weaker compared to transition state analogs. Substrates and products have lower affinity because they are not as complementary to the active site as the transition state. Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site but do not mimic the transition state as effectively as transition state analogs.
Conclude that transition state analogs bind most tightly: Since enzymes are optimized to stabilize the transition state, transition state analogs have the highest binding affinity to the active site compared to substrates, products, or competitive inhibitors.