Reversible inhibitors differ from irreversible inhibitors because they:
Correct answer: B. Bind temporarily and can be removed
- A. Bind permanently and cannot be removed
- B. Bind temporarily and can be removed
- C. Permanently inactivate the enzyme
- D. Change enzyme structure permanently
Explanation
A reversible inhibitor binds through weak interactions and detaches again, so activity returns when it is removed or outcompeted, which is how competitive and non competitive inhibitors behave. An irreversible inhibitor forms a covalent bond, as heavy metal ions and nerve gases do, and the enzyme is destroyed for good. The other three options all describe the irreversible case.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2025 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Enzyme Inhibitors
Enzyme inhibitors reduce reaction rate by interfering with enzyme-substrate interaction or catalytic activity. Coverage includes reversible competitive, non-competitive and uncompetitive inhibition, the effects of inhibitor concentration on reaction rate, and why competitive inhibition can be reduced by increasing substrate concentration.
Practise Enzymes
633 free Enzymes MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Biology questions like this
Biology is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Enzyme Inhibitors questions
Zymogens are
Allosteric enzymes
The Michaelis constant (Km) represents
A chemical substance which can react (in place of substrate) with the enzyme but is not transformed into product/s and thus blocks the active site temporarily or permanently is called_______________?
A substance which binds at the active site of the enzyme but does not result in the formation of the products is called________________?
Inhibitors which block the enzyme by forming weak bond are called___________?