Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

A compound that resembles an enzyme's normal substrate binds in its active site and slows the reaction. Raising the substrate concentration restores nearly normal velocity. What does this pattern indicate?

A.A competitive inhibitor occupies the active site, and excess substrate outcompetes it
B.A noncompetitive inhibitor distorts the enzyme at a separate regulatory site
C.An allosteric activator has permanently denatured the enzyme's active site
D.The enzyme has reached saturation and cannot accept any additional substrate

Explanation

Core Concept

Recovery of velocity at high substrate concentration is the signature of competitive inhibition. Inhibitor and substrate contest the same active site, so flooding the system with substrate raises the chance that substrate binds before the inhibitor does, and the observed rate climbs back toward normal. Noncompetitive and allosteric inhibitors bind elsewhere and keep slowing the enzyme no matter how much substrate is present, while saturation would cap velocity rather than restore it.

Correct Answer

AA competitive inhibitor occupies the active site, and excess substrate outcompetes it

More Unit 1: Chemistry of Life practice questions

Try a random question →

Practice more AP Biology questions with full explanations

Practice Unit 1: Chemistry of Life Questions →