Which of the following statements correctly describes competitive inhibition?

• A. A competitive inhibitor binds to the substrate and inhibits it from binding to the active site of the enzyme.
• B. A competitive inhibitor binds to a site other than the active site and inhibits the substrate from binding.
• C. A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site and degrades the enzyme.
• D. A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site of an enzyme and inhibits the substrate to bind.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of enzyme inhibition: Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that bind to enzymes and decrease their activity. There are different types of inhibition, including competitive and non-competitive inhibition.
2. Define competitive inhibition: In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor molecule resembles the substrate and competes for binding to the active site of the enzyme. This prevents the substrate from binding to the active site.
3. Analyze the given statements: Evaluate each statement to determine if it aligns with the definition of competitive inhibition.
4. Identify the correct statement: The correct description of competitive inhibition is that the inhibitor binds to the active site of the enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding.
5. Conclude with the correct understanding: The statement 'A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site of an enzyme and inhibits the substrate to bind' correctly describes competitive inhibition.