Tutoring biology, non-competitive inhibition may be mentioned. The tutor explains it.

In yesterday’s post I explain competitive inhibition.

Non-competitive inhibition is similiar to competitive inhibition in that it hinders enzyme function. The difference is that, with non-competitive inhibition, the inhibitor doesn’t bind to the enzyme’s active site; with competitive inhibition, it does.

A non-competitive inhibitor may be a bulky atom such as a heavy metal, or a bulky molecule. This bulky species will attach itself to the enzyme somewhere other than the active site. However, the enzyme’s function is still impeded by one of two possible ways:

1. The bulk of the inhibitor, though not occupying the active site, may still make it hard to reach, just as a long vehicle in a parking stall can prevent the use of the stall past it.
2. The inhibitor may change the chemistry of the enzyme, making it less attractive to its intended substrate.

HTH:)

Source:

Biology 12, module 1. Open School BC, 2007.

Mader, S. Inquiry into Life, 11th ed. Toronto: McGraw-Hill, 2006.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.