* Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule that resembles the substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme, preventing the actual substrate from binding.
* This competition for the active site effectively blocks the enzyme from catalyzing the reaction.
* The rate of reaction is reduced because fewer substrate molecules can bind and be converted into product.
However, the effect of a competitive inhibitor can be overcome by increasing the substrate concentration. With a higher substrate concentration, there is a higher probability of substrate molecules outcompeting the inhibitor for the active site, leading to a higher reaction rate.
In summary:
* Competitive inhibitors slow down the rate of reaction.
* Increasing substrate concentration can partially overcome the inhibitory effect.
