Inhibitor Chemicals

Definition

Inhibitor chemicals are molecules that block or reduce the activity of enzymes or proteins involved in a biological process. They interfere with the normal functioning of these molecules and prevent them from carrying out their usual functions.

Related terms

Enzyme:

Enzymes are protein molecules that catalyze chemical reactions in cells. They can be inhibited by inhibitor chemicals.

Substrate:

Substrates are the molecules upon which enzymes act to produce a reaction. Inhibitor chemicals may bind to substrates and prevent them from interacting with enzymes.

Competitive Inhibition: Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor chemical competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme, reducing its activity.