Factors that affect enzyme activity - Inhibitors

Inhibitors


Many enzymes are poisoned by heavy metals (lead, mercury) or cyanide. cyanide stops the enzymes of respiration. lead and mercury can stop enzymes in cells of the nervous system functioning. These inhibitors change the shape of enzymes or take over and block the active site to stop substrate from binding. The more inhibitor there is, the lower the activity rate of enzymes.