Final answer:
An enzyme secreted in its inactive form is known as a zymogen or proenzyme, which is crucial for preventing premature digestion of proteins in tissues. These enzymes are then activated in the appropriate location, such as the small intestine for digestive enzymes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An enzyme that is secreted in its inactive form is known as a zymogen or proenzyme. For example, pepsinogen and trypsinogen, are the zymogens or proenzymes of the digestive enzymes pepsin and trypsin, respectively. They are secreted in their inactive forms to prevent the digestion of proteins in the cells where they are synthesized.
The protection of tissues from premature enzymatic digestion is crucial. The pancreas, for instance, secretes some enzymes in inactive proenzyme forms. These proenzymes are then transported to the small intestine where they are activated. Chymotrypsin, which is an enzyme specific to aromatic amino acids, is initially secreted as chymotrypsinogen and is then activated by another enzyme, trypsin.
Concerning inhibitors, their binding to an enzyme typically results in enzyme inactivation, interfering with the enzyme's ability to catalyze a chemical reaction. Enzymes play a pivotal role in chemical reactions as catalysts, speeding up reactions by lowering the activation energy required.