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Biology Question 119 – NEET-UG 2024

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Inhibition of Succinic dehydrogenase enzyme by malonate is a classical example of:

Enzymes are biological catalysts whose activity can be regulated by various molecules, including inhibitors.

Step 1: Identify the Enzyme and Inhibitor✦ Active

The enzyme in question is Succinic dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion of succinate to fumarate in the Krebs cycle. The inhibitor is malonate.

Step 2: Analyze the Relationship between Inhibitor and Substrate○ Expand

Malonate is structurally very similar to succinate. Both are dicarboxylic acids. Due to this structural resemblance, malonate can bind to the active site of succinic dehydrogenase, preventing the actual substrate (succinate) from binding and being converted.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Recall the structures of succinate and malonate to understand their similarity.

Step 3: Determine the Type of Inhibition○ Expand

Since malonate competes with succinate for the active site of the enzyme, this mechanism is a classic example of competitive inhibition.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Distinguish competitive inhibition from other types like non-competitive, uncompetitive, and feedback inhibition based on their mechanisms.

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