Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Inhibition

GOB Chemistry

19. Enzymes

Enzyme Inhibition

Previous problemNext problem

1:06 minutes

Problem 50a

Textbook Question

In humans, the antibiotic amoxicillin (a type of penicillin) is used to treat certain bacterial infections.
a. Does the antibiotic inhibit enzymes in humans?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of antibiotics: Antibiotics like amoxicillin are designed to target bacterial cells, not human cells. They work by interfering with processes essential to bacterial survival, such as cell wall synthesis.

Identify the specific mechanism of amoxicillin: Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial enzymes called transpeptidases (also known as penicillin-binding proteins, PBPs). These enzymes are crucial for the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.

Clarify the selectivity of amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is selective for bacterial enzymes because human cells do not have cell walls or the enzymes required to build them. This is why amoxicillin does not inhibit enzymes in human cells under normal circumstances.

Consider potential exceptions: While amoxicillin does not directly inhibit human enzymes, some individuals may experience side effects or allergic reactions. These are not due to enzyme inhibition but rather immune system responses or other indirect effects.

Conclude the answer: Based on the mechanism of action, amoxicillin does not inhibit enzymes in humans. Its activity is specific to bacterial enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria. They work by targeting specific bacterial functions or structures, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, without harming human cells. Understanding how antibiotics function is crucial for evaluating their effects on both bacteria and human physiology.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action refers to the specific biochemical interaction through which a drug produces its pharmacological effect. For antibiotics like amoxicillin, this often involves inhibiting bacterial enzymes necessary for cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial cell death. Recognizing this mechanism helps in understanding the selective action of antibiotics.

Enzyme Inhibition

Enzyme inhibition occurs when a molecule, such as an antibiotic, binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. In the context of amoxicillin, it specifically inhibits bacterial enzymes rather than human enzymes, which is essential for its therapeutic effect. This distinction is important to understand the safety and efficacy of antibiotics in treating infections.

Watch next

Master Enzyme Inhibition Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Explain how the following changes affect the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the presence of an uncompetitive inhibitor:

(b) decreasing the inhibitor concentration at a constant substrate concentration.

1431

views

Textbook Question

Indicate whether each of the following describes a competitive or a noncompetitive enzyme inhibitor:

a. The inhibitor has a structure similar to the substrate.

824

views

Textbook Question

Indicate whether each of the following describes a competitive or a noncompetitive enzyme inhibitor:

d. The structure of the inhibitor is not similar to the substrate.

1374

views

Textbook Question

Methanol and ethanol are oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenase. In methanol poisoning, ethanol is given intravenously to prevent the formation of formaldehyde that has toxic effects.

b. Would ethanol compete for the active site or bind to a different site?

745

views

Textbook Question

Oxaloacetate is an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase.

a. Would you expect oxaloacetate to be a competitive or a noncompetitive inhibitor? Why?

578

views

Textbook Question

In humans, the antibiotic amoxicillin (a type of penicillin) is used to treat certain bacterial infections.

c. Is amoxicillin a reversible or irreversible inhibitor?

724

views

Textbook Question

Ethylene glycol (HO—CH₂—CH₂—OH) is a major component of antifreeze. If ingested, it is first converted to HOOC—CHO (oxoethanoic acid) and then to HOOC—COOH (oxalic acid), which is toxic.

<IMAGE>

b. The treatment for the ingestion of ethylene glycol is an intravenous solution of ethanol. How might this help prevent toxic levels of oxalic acid in the body?

640

views

Textbook Question

How does an irreversible inhibitor function differently than a reversible inhibitor?

962

views

Show more practices