Competitive Inhibition

Introduction

• Competitive inhibition is a type of enzyme regulation where an inhibitor molecule interferes with the enzyme's activity by binding to its active site.
• This prevents the substrate from binding to the enzyme and carrying out its reaction.

Mechanism of Competitive Inhibition

• Competitive inhibitors have a similar molecular shape to the substrate and can fit into the enzyme's active site.
• When a competitive inhibitor binds to the active site, it blocks the substrate from binding.

Reversal by Increasing Substrate Concentration

• One way to overcome competitive inhibition is by increasing the concentration of the substrate.
• As the substrate concentration rises, it has a greater chance of binding to the enzyme's active site.
• Eventually, the substrate concentration can become high enough to outcompete the inhibitor for binding to the enzyme.
• This leads to the removal of the inhibitor from the active site, allowing the enzyme to function normally.

Example: Sarin

• Sarin is an example of a competitive inhibitor.
• It interferes with the activity of enzymes in the nervous system, leading to severe health consequences.

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Competitive Inhibition

Summary