[Campbell Biology P.208] Which statement accurately describes a key difference between compe... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes a key difference between competitive and noncompetitive enzyme inhibition?

  • A: Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site, while noncompetitive inhibitors bind elsewhere.
  • B: Noncompetitive inhibitors can be overcome by increasing substrate concentration, unlike competitive inhibitors.
  • C: Competitive inhibition alters the enzyme's shape, whereas noncompetitive inhibition does not.
  • D: Both types of inhibitors directly prevent substrate binding to the active site.

Explanation

Figure 8.18 clearly illustrates that competitive inhibitors mimic the substrate and bind to the active site, directly competing with the substrate. In contrast, noncompetitive inhibitors bind to a different site on the enzyme away from the active site , which alters the enzyme's shape and reduces the active site's effectiveness.