Final answer:
The binding of substrate molecules to the active site of an enzyme can be affected by inhibitors and the induced-fit model. Inhibitors can interfere with substrate binding by competing with the substrate at the active site or by binding to a distinct site and changing the shape of the active site. The induced-fit model suggests that the binding of the substrate induces a conformational change in the enzyme, altering the shape of the active site.
Step-by-step explanation:
An enzyme catalyzes a reaction by binding to a substrate at its active site. The binding of the substrate to the active site is affected by various factors, including inhibitors and the induced-fit model. Inhibitors can either compete with the substrate for binding at the active site or bind to a distinct site on the enzyme and change the conformation of the active site, affecting the binding of substrate molecules. The induced-fit model suggests that the binding of the substrate induces a conformational change in the enzyme, straining the shape of the active site and distorting the substrate.