Is the action of non-competitive enzyme inhibitors reversible?

Question

I heard that some are and some are irreversible. I want to know WHY are they reversible and/or irreversible with EXAMPLES. Thank you.

Answer 1

Yes, they are reversible. Non-competitive enzyme inhibitors bind to a site other the active site. This type of inhibition is most commonly is done by the end product of a metabolic pathway. As a means for regulating the production of an end product, this inhibition shuts down a metabolic pathway when the end product is over produced. When the concentration of the end product is low, the inhibition is reversed.

Answer 2

Non -competitive inhibitors are reversible as the first answerer suggests but some are irreversible.

Irreversible inhibitors form stable covalent bonds

with the enzyme (e.g. alkylation or acylation of an

active site side chain).

There are many naturally-occurring and synthetic

irreversible inhibitors - eg

• Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) is an organic

phosphate that inactivates serine proteases.

• Such organophosphorous inhibitors are used as

insecticides or for enzyme research.

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