Chapter 21, Problem 53A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Which occurs when an enzyme’s active site is blocked by a foreign molecule needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Enzyme is composed of proteins. This is a substance that performed as catalyst and maintaining the rate of chemical reactions proceed without used in the process.

The activity of an enzyme is affected with the changed in the active site of the enzyme.

Answer to Problem 53A

Inhibition occurs when active site of an enzyme is blocked by a foreign molecule.

Explanation of Solution

Inhibition is the process where the activity of enzyme is decrease, the foreign molecule attached with active site of enzyme and inhibit the binding of the substrate to the enzyme.

Conclusion

When a molecule other than the substrate molecule of the enzyme can bind to the active site, it affected the enzyme activity. Where the substrate can bind to the enzyme, but when the inhibitor also attached with the enzyme it changes the shape of the enzyme so it is not capable to catalyze the reaction.