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7 Dec 2025

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Understanding Enzyme Inhibitors

Enzyme inhibitors are biological molecules that slow down enzyme reactions... Show more

# enzyme inhibitors

biological molecules

Enzyme inhibitors reduce the rate of reaction.
There are 2 types of inhibitors :
competitive & no

Competitive Inhibitors

Ever wondered how some medicines work by literally competing with natural molecules? Competitive inhibitors are sneaky molecules that have a similar shape to the enzyme's normal substrate.

These inhibitors work by entering the active site and forming an enzyme-inhibitor complex. This blocks the real substrate from getting in, like someone sitting in your favourite chair! The result is a reduced rate of reaction because fewer enzyme-substrate complexes can form.

Here's the clever bit: competitive inhibition is reversible. If you increase the substrate concentration, you can actually overcome the inhibition. More substrate molecules means more chances for them to outcompete the inhibitor for the active site.

Quick Tip: Remember that competitive inhibitors compete directly with the substrate - they're fighting for the same parking space (the active site)!

# enzyme inhibitors

biological molecules

Enzyme inhibitors reduce the rate of reaction.
There are 2 types of inhibitors :
competitive & no

Non-Competitive Inhibitors

Unlike their competitive cousins, non-competitive inhibitors don't bother trying to fit into the active site. Instead, they're much more devious - they bind to a completely different spot called the allosteric site.

When a non-competitive inhibitor attaches to this allosteric site, it distorts the enzyme's tertiary structure. This changes the shape of the active site, meaning the substrate can no longer fit properly - it's like changing the lock so the key won't work anymore.

The key difference here is that increasing substrate concentration won't help overcome this type of inhibition. The active site is permanently altered, so it doesn't matter how many substrate molecules you throw at it. Many non-competitive inhibitors create permanent changes, except for those involved in metabolic pathways where the cell needs more control.

Remember: Non-competitive = different site, permanent change. No amount of extra substrate will fix a broken lock!



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Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

175

7 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Enzyme Inhibitors

Enzyme inhibitors are biological molecules that slow down enzyme reactions - think of them as molecular brakes that can either block or change how enzymes work. Understanding these inhibitors is crucial for A-level Biology, especially when explaining how cells control... Show more

# enzyme inhibitors

biological molecules

Enzyme inhibitors reduce the rate of reaction.
There are 2 types of inhibitors :
competitive & no

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Competitive Inhibitors

Ever wondered how some medicines work by literally competing with natural molecules? Competitive inhibitors are sneaky molecules that have a similar shape to the enzyme's normal substrate.

These inhibitors work by entering the active site and forming an enzyme-inhibitor complex. This blocks the real substrate from getting in, like someone sitting in your favourite chair! The result is a reduced rate of reaction because fewer enzyme-substrate complexes can form.

Here's the clever bit: competitive inhibition is reversible. If you increase the substrate concentration, you can actually overcome the inhibition. More substrate molecules means more chances for them to outcompete the inhibitor for the active site.

Quick Tip: Remember that competitive inhibitors compete directly with the substrate - they're fighting for the same parking space (the active site)!

# enzyme inhibitors

biological molecules

Enzyme inhibitors reduce the rate of reaction.
There are 2 types of inhibitors :
competitive & no

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Non-Competitive Inhibitors

Unlike their competitive cousins, non-competitive inhibitors don't bother trying to fit into the active site. Instead, they're much more devious - they bind to a completely different spot called the allosteric site.

When a non-competitive inhibitor attaches to this allosteric site, it distorts the enzyme's tertiary structure. This changes the shape of the active site, meaning the substrate can no longer fit properly - it's like changing the lock so the key won't work anymore.

The key difference here is that increasing substrate concentration won't help overcome this type of inhibition. The active site is permanently altered, so it doesn't matter how many substrate molecules you throw at it. Many non-competitive inhibitors create permanent changes, except for those involved in metabolic pathways where the cell needs more control.

Remember: Non-competitive = different site, permanent change. No amount of extra substrate will fix a broken lock!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user