Chapter 19, Problem 19.62AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The irreversible mechanism by which lead exerts its poisonous effect on enzymes should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Enzyme:

• It is a protein or a molecule which can act as a catalyst for a biological reaction.
• Does not affect the equilibrium point of the reaction.
• Active site of the enzyme is the region where the reaction takes place.
• Enzyme’s activity can be specific which means the activity is limited to a certain substrate and a certain type of reaction and it is referred to as specificity of the enzyme.

Enzyme inhibitors: The substance which slows or stops the action of an enzyme is called enzyme inhibitors.

It can be used as drugs and an example is AZT which is used to treat HIV.

The competition of an enzyme can be reversible or irreversible and in reversible inhibition, the inhibitor can leave and in irreversible inhibition, the inhibitor remains permanently bound.

Reversible Competitive inhibition: It is a type of inhibition occurs when the inhibitor resembles very much to the substrate and thus prevents the substrate binding.

Irreversible competitive inhibition: It is a type of inhibition in which an inhibitor forms covalent bonds to the active site and thereby permanently blocking it.