Question

Compare and contrast the activity of enzyme inhibitors and co-enzymes and their function in regulating enzymes.

Answer 1

1. Coenzymes are organic compounds, which are generally non-protein in nature. They bind to the enzyme and helps it catalyse a reaction. Whereas enzyme inhibitors are molecules, that binds to the enzyme, and decreases or inhibits its biological activity.

2. Most enzymes require coenzymes for functioning. When a coenzyme binds to the active site of an apoenzyme (enzyme devoid of coenzyme), then a holoenzyme is formed. This holoenzyme can efficiently catalyse a reaction. All enzymes work efficiently if they are not inhibited by enzyme inhibitor molecules by binding to the active site of the enzyme and inhibiting the substrate from binding to the active site.

3. Enzyme inhibitors can be irreversible inhibitors and reversible inhibitors. No such classes are found in case of coenzymes.

4. Examples - Coenzyme : Vitamin

Reversible inhibitor : Protease inhibitors

Irreversible inhibitor : Diisopropylfluorophosphate