Inhibitors
Inhibitors
Inhibitors (/ɪnˈhɪbɪtərz/) are substances that slow down or prevent a particular chemical reaction or other processes. They are often used in the field of medicine and biochemistry.
Etymology
The term 'inhibitor' originates from the Latin word 'inhibere', which means 'to hold back'.
Types of Inhibitors
There are several types of inhibitors, including:
- Competitive inhibitor: A substance that binds to the active site of an enzyme, preventing the binding of the substrate and thus inhibiting the enzyme's function.
- Non-competitive inhibitor: A substance that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, changing the shape of the enzyme and preventing the substrate from binding.
- Uncompetitive inhibitor: A substance that binds to the enzyme-substrate complex, preventing the complex from releasing the products and thus inhibiting the enzyme's function.
Medical Use
Inhibitors are widely used in medicine to control or prevent certain biological processes. For example, ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, while protease inhibitors are used in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C.
Related Terms
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction.
- Substrate: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
- Active site: The region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inhibitors
- Wikipedia's article - Inhibitors
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