Describe experimental approaches to distinguish between competitive Essay

Describe experimental approaches to distinguish between competitive inhibitors and non competitive inhibitors and discuss the i - Essay Example These drugs potentially target those enzymes that are responsible for proliferation of cancer cells (Nelson, 2008). Enzyme inhibitors diminish the enzyme's capability to combine with the substrate. They reduce the enzyme's catalytic actions. There are two kinds of inhibitors: 1. Reversible inhibitors: They are the agents or molecules that separate from the enzyme. They are competitive, that compete with the substrate to gain access to the active site of the enzyme, it lowers the KM and reduces the reaction velocity (Nelson, 2008). Mixed inhibitor reduces apparent substrate binding ability of the enzyme. Thus it alters the chemical nature of active site. They are capable of binding with ES complex and thus reduce the substrate binding ability of enzyme. Mixed inhibitors can either reduce or enhance the KM or diminish Vmax (Nelson, 2008). Non-competitive inhibitor is not influenced by E or ES. It binds with both with same affinity. Non-competitive inhibitors decrease the Vmax while kee p the KM unchanged. 2. Irreversible inhibitors: They are the molecules or agents that do not get detached from the enzyme or from the active site of enzymes, thereby they does not allow the substrate to combine with the enzyme. Thus they bind to the enzyme tightly or permanently, inactivating the enzyme. E.g. Male baldness drug Propecia.