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inhibitor

An enzyme inhibitor is a molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. By binding to enzymes' active sites, inhibitors reduce the compatibility of substrate and enzyme and this leads to the inhibition of Enzyme-Substrate complexes' formation, preventing the catalysis of reactions and decreasing (at times to zero) the amount of product produced by a reaction. It can be said that as the concentration of enzyme inhibitors increases, the rate of enzyme activity decreases, and thus, the amount of product produced is inversely proportional to the concentration of inhibitor molecules.
Since blocking an enzyme's activity can kill a pathogen or correct a metabolic imbalance, many drugs are enzyme inhibitors. They are also used in pesticides. Not all molecules that bind to enzymes are inhibitors; enzyme activators bind to enzymes and increase their enzymatic activity, while enzyme substrates bind and are converted to products in the normal catalytic cycle of the enzyme.
The binding of an inhibitor can stop a substrate from entering the enzyme's active site and/or hinder the enzyme from catalyzing its reaction. Inhibitor binding is either reversible or irreversible. Irreversible inhibitors usually react with the enzyme and change it chemically (e.g. via covalent bond formation). These inhibitors modify key amino acid residues needed for enzymatic activity. In contrast, reversible inhibitors bind non-covalently and different types of inhibition are produced depending on whether these inhibitors bind to the enzyme, the enzyme-substrate complex, or both.
Many drug molecules are enzyme inhibitors, so their discovery and improvement is an active area of research in biochemistry and pharmacology. A medicinal enzyme inhibitor is often judged by its specificity (its lack of binding to other proteins) and its potency (its dissociation constant, which indicates the concentration needed to inhibit the enzyme). A high specificity and potency ensure that a drug will have few side effects and thus low toxicity.
Enzyme inhibitors also occur naturally and are involved in the regulation of metabolism. For example, enzymes in a metabolic pathway can be inhibited by downstream products. This type of negative feedback slows the production line when products begin to build up and is an important way to maintain homeostasis in a cell. Other cellular enzyme inhibitors are proteins that specifically bind to and inhibit an enzyme target. This can help control enzymes that may be damaging to a cell, like proteases or nucleases. A well-characterised example of this is the ribonuclease inhibitor, which binds to ribonucleases in one of the tightest known protein–protein interactions. Natural enzyme inhibitors can also be poisons and are used as defenses against predators or as ways of killing prey.

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  1. B

    New boiler - Inhibitor top up?

    During an install of new boiler ('old' boiler died after 11-12 years) the system was "drained" but I guess maybe 90% of water was left in the (rather large) underfloor pipe system. What is the best way to tell how much inhibitor should be added in this case? (also taking account that system was...
  2. S

    PEX barrier pipe – can anybody answer this?

    I have a question that I’m hoping those of you who are experienced central heating engineers may be abler to throw some light on. But first I need to tell you about my system, and the problem I’ve been having. Just over 7years ago I had a new CH system installed in my small semi. I say new – in...
  3. C

    Renewing inhibitor in underfloor heating system.

    We have a Daikin Air Source heat pump feeding our hot water and under-floor 8 port manifold heating system. The Daikin has just had its annual service and the engineer commented that the water looked discoloured and that the inhibitor needed replacing?? Is this an easy procedure? I'm pretty...
  4. J

    To add inhibitor into towel radiator

    Hi, I want to add inhibitor into towel radiator for the heating system. I saw from Youtube that people normally open the radiator vent plug from bottom, either left or right (photo 4 and 5). But I saw someone opened from top which looks easier. Please see the attached photos 2 and 3, should I...
  5. B

    How long without inhibitor?

    Hi, Quick question on how long is too long without inhibitor? I'm repiping the downstairs heating and the job keeps growing arms and legs. If it takes me a few weeks to get it all done, draining and refilling with just mains water several times, is that a big deal? Also, is it OK to shut off...
  6. Be kind

    No inhibitor in system

    Does inhibito need to be put back into central heating system?
  7. T

    Electric boiler inhibit relay

    I had an electric boiler installed recently which required the boiler to be inhibited by an electric shower. The proposed installer wanted to use a Heatrae Sadia Relay RL1. I stopped this, as an electrical engineer this unit is NOT complaint to electrical regs unless the cables to the fuse...
  8. J

    URGENT After drain, must add inhibitor?

    Hi, The gas engineer installed my house radiators in August, all are new ones. But there was a leak on one of them on 26th of October, he came and drained all the system, and fixed the the leak. But he did NOT add inhibitor. I was just told that once drained the system, it has to add inhibitor...
  9. R

    Replace Magnetic Scale Inhibitor

    My magnetic scale inhibitor is coming to the end of its 10 year life and needs replacing. This is attached to the pipework just before the combi boiler. I have a few questions that I'm hoping someone will be able to answer. Should I replace it with another magnetic inhibitor or change it to a...
  10. J

    Which Inhibitor for Vaillant Ecotec ?

    Had system drained and replaced 3 rads. Just wanted to know is any inhibitor ok or does vaillant have a recommended brand?
  11. B

    Adding corrosion inhibitor

    Hi all, DIYer after some advice. I’ve drained my CH system (combi boiler) to replace a couple of radiators. The new rads have been fitted and I’ve been trying to add inhibitor to the system. I’ve isolated both valves on the radiator, opened the vent and removed the plug. I have a flexible funnel...
  12. J

    Annual inhibitor concentration testing

    Whilst filling out the new benchmark during the commissioning of a boiler I noticed on the servicing section that there is now a requirement to annually test the concentration of the inhibitor in the system. Why is fairly obvious, but it’s more the real world how? Great if you fitted the...
  13. O

    Loss off water pressure after mains scale inhibitor fitted

    Hi all, i have fitted a 22mm scale inhibitor today( due to very hard water) and have lost pressure to all the cold taps in my property bar the outside tap and the washer valve feed . I have also lost around 4L a minute on the flow rate on all the affected taps . Property is a new build MDPE...
  14. D

    Inhibitor in pressurised heating system

    Hi All, Hope you are all safe in these scary times. I need to replace a pressure relief valve and then put inhibitor in my system. I have seen videos on how to add inhibitor using a bit of hose and a hand pump sprayer. The bit I don't get is exactly what part numbers I need to order to fit...
  15. T

    Scale inhibitor furry bits

    Hello lovely plumbers, I'm moved in to a flat and the boiler has a scale inhibitor attached. However, around the ends of the inhibitor are some weird, what I can only describe as, spiky spores. Don't think mould as nowhere else so can can only think the inhibitor is leaking or something or...
  16. N

    CENTRAL HEATING INHIBITOR TO ADD OR NOT

    Im having some new radiators put in Ch pump changed and 3 way port , System will be drained down. Plumbers comments : if he adds inhibitor i will need to add filters to the system otherwise it could lead to damage to the boiler. This i have no problem with but he cant fit today , should...
  17. CorgiDirect

    Excellent Prices on CORGI Chemicals. 1LT Inhibitor & Cleansers Only £3.75 ex vat

    Excellent Prices on CORGI Chemicals. CORGI 1LT SYSTEM INHIBITOR only £3.75 ex vat CORGI 1LT SYSTEM CLEANSER only £3.75 ex vat. View the CORGI Chemicals here
  18. quality

    Best standard inhibitor for the money ?

    As above folks
  19. K

    Renewing inhibitor - thoughts

    So I get the question occasionally "Should the inhibitor be replaced on a regular basis?" And I'm not sure exactly how I feel about it. Yes if you've got an open vented system, lost water, had work done or have to top up the system occasionally or are not sure of any of the above. However...
  20. B

    Magnetic filter and inhibitor

    Hi we have a new boiler fitted 3 yrs ago with a magnetic filer cartridge and inhibitor??. over the last couple of years we had to top it regularly due to a small leak. Hopefully the leak has now been found and the cartridge is overdue changing. Should i drain the system down fully and replace...
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