Quick question about enzyme allosteric inhibition

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In summary, the effect of inhibition on an enzyme's Km and Vmax can vary and may not necessarily affect both parameters. The terms 'K system' and 'v system' were originally used to describe effects on Km and Vmax respectively. Allosteric enzymes may not have a Km due to non-Michaelian kinetics, but their affinity can be expressed by the S0.5 parameter. An allosteric inhibitor in a K system would increase S0.5, while an inhibitor in a v-system would decrease Vmax.
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mjolnir80
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lets say an enzyme is inhibited by something binding to its allosteric site. what effect would this have on the enzymes Km and Vmax?
 
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Are you asking how would inhibition affect Km and Vmax?
Do you know the definitions for Km and Vmax and what they mean?
 
  • #3
yes i do
i was thinking it would cause them both to go to zero if it inhibition?
 
  • #4
Is inhibition the same as inactivation?
 
  • #5
mjolnir80 said:
lets say an enzyme is inhibited by something binding to its allosteric site. what effect would this have on the enzymes Km and Vmax?

Can be an effect on either or both.
Monod originally invented the terms 'K system' and 'v system' for effects on K and v respectively.
(I think K effects are more common, but also effects that are purely 100% one or the other are not all that common, though sometimes the v effect is fairly small.)
And with a given enzyme you may find a K effect with one substrate and a v effect with another. There is nothing in theory that says that any effect has to be one or another.

You will realize of course that many allosteric enzymes do not have a Km, because, especially in presence of an inhibitor, the substrate dependency of the reaction rate is not Michaelian but co-operative. The affinity can be expressed by the S0.5, the substrate concentration at half-saturation which is equal to Km in the case of non-cooperative kinetics. An allosteric inhibition in a K system will increase S0.5 (shift v,S curves to right). An allosteric inhibitor in a v-system will reduce Vmax. Both practically by definition! S0.5 is more an empirical than a thermodynamic affinity parameter, the thermodynamic one is the 'median ligand concentration' equal to S0.5 only for symmetrical* curves but that I imagine is for later if at all.

*against log that is
 

FAQ: Quick question about enzyme allosteric inhibition

1. What is allosteric inhibition?

Allosteric inhibition is a type of enzyme regulation where a molecule binds to a site on the enzyme, known as the allosteric site, and causes a conformational change that reduces the enzyme's activity.

2. How does allosteric inhibition differ from competitive inhibition?

In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor molecule binds to the active site of the enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding. Allosteric inhibition, on the other hand, involves binding to a different site on the enzyme and changing its shape.

3. What is the significance of allosteric inhibition in enzyme function?

Allosteric inhibition allows for the regulation of enzyme activity in response to changing cellular conditions. It can help maintain balance in metabolic pathways and prevent the overproduction of certain substances.

4. Can allosteric inhibition be reversed?

Yes, allosteric inhibition can be reversed by the binding of an activator molecule to the allosteric site, causing a conformational change that increases the enzyme's activity.

5. What are some examples of allosteric inhibitors?

Some examples of allosteric inhibitors include malonic acid, which inhibits the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase, and ATP, which inhibits the enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also act as allosteric inhibitors of certain enzymes.

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