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Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor molecule competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme. The inhibitor resembles the substrate and binds reversibly to the enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding and thus reducing the reaction rate.
The calculator uses the competitive inhibition formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the concentration of inhibitor required for competitive inhibition based on enzyme kinetics parameters.
Details: Determining the appropriate inhibitor concentration is crucial for studying enzyme kinetics, drug development, and understanding metabolic pathways. It helps researchers design effective inhibitors for therapeutic applications.
Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure all values are positive and within reasonable biological ranges for accurate results.
Q1: What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?
A: In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds to the active site, while in non-competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds to a different site on the enzyme, altering its shape and function.
Q2: How does competitive inhibition affect KM and Vmax?
A: Competitive inhibition increases the apparent KM (the enzyme has lower affinity for substrate) but does not affect Vmax (maximum reaction rate can still be achieved with sufficient substrate).
Q3: What are some examples of competitive inhibitors?
A: Common examples include statin drugs that competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, and methotrexate which competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase.
Q4: How is Ki determined experimentally?
A: Ki is typically determined by measuring reaction rates at various substrate and inhibitor concentrations and analyzing the data using Lineweaver-Burk or Dixon plots.
Q5: Can competitive inhibition be overcome?
A: Yes, competitive inhibition can be overcome by increasing the substrate concentration, as the inhibitor and substrate compete for the same binding site.