Final answer:
Irreversible inhibition of enzymatic activity means that an inhibitor covalently binds to and permanently blocks an enzyme's active site, preventing substrate binding and catalysis. To recover such an inhibited enzymatic activity, the organism must synthesize new enzymes. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is a well-known example of an irreversible enzyme inhibitor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Irreversible inhibition of enzymatic activity refers to the scenario where an enzyme's function is permanently blocked due to the inhibitor forming a covalent bond at the enzyme's active site. Unlike reversible inhibitors, irreversible inhibitors do not dissociate, preventing the substrate from binding and effectively stopping catalysis. To restore the enzymatic activity, new enzyme molecules must be synthesized because the existing inhibited enzymes cannot be reactivated. An example of an irreversible inhibitor is acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which permanently inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes involved in inflammation.
- The function of the enzyme cannot be renewed by increasing the ratio between the substrate and its inhibitor because the bond between the enzyme and the inhibitor is covalent and lasts indefinitely.
- Therefore, new enzyme synthesis is required for the recovery of this type of chemical reaction.
- The binding is usually covalent, indicating that the inhibitor of the enzyme is not able to dissociate from binding to the enzyme.
- The mechanism of action of acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, is an example of irreversible inhibition of enzyme activity.