Chapter 19, Problem 2MCP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relationship between allosteric and feedback inhibition has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

There are various methods of regulation of enzymatic activities. One such means is feedback inhibition via allosteric enzymes.

Allosteric enzymes are those enzymes whose active sites have been altered by the binding of certain small molecules called effector molecules. The term allosteric refers to other forms of the enzymes. This is because the allosteric enzyme shaves an additional effector binding site besides the usual active site.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relationship among active sites, a competitive inhibitor of an enzyme, and its natural substrate have to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The catalytic activity of an enzyme may be reduced drastically when certain chemicals intervene and compete with the natural substrate of the enzyme to bind at the active site. These chemicals are referred to as enzyme inhibitors. Certain drug molecule such as penicillin serves as a useful inhibitor as they inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Enzyme inhibition can occur via different mechanisms such as irreversible inhibition and reversible competitive inhibition.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relationship between the active site and the type of specificity exhibited by the enzyme has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Only the substrates that can fit into the enzyme’s active site can undergo some chemical reaction and form the product under an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. This is known as enzyme specificity. The high specificity of enzyme catalysis indicates the efficiency of the catalytic process.