Question

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. In the mid-1990s, researchers discovered an enzyme in HIV called protease. Once the enzyme's structure was known, researchers began looking for drugs that would fit into the active site and block it. If this strategy for stopping HIV infections were successful, it would be an example of what phenomenon?

A) vaccination
B) denaturation
C) allosteric regulation
D) competitive inhibition

Answer 1

The answer is; D

The drug will compete for the active site of the enzyme with the substrate hence is a competitive inhibitor. Increasing the level of the inhibitor reduces the chances that the substrate will bind the active site and this is how the drugs work. Vaccination involves introducing an attenuated form of the virus in the body so the body gains immunity against the antigens of the virus in preparation for a wild type virus infection.

Answer 2

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. In the mid-1990s, researchers discovered an enzyme in HIV called protease. Once the enzyme's structure was known, researchers began looking for drugs that would fit into the active site and block it. If this strategy for stopping HIV infections were successful, it would be an example of - D) competitive inhibition