An irreversible inhibitor differs from a reversible one in that it

  • A. can be removed simply by dilution
  • B. binds only at the allosteric site
  • C. attaches by weak hydrogen bonds
  • D. forms permanent covalent bonds with the enzyme

Explanation

Irreversible poisons chemically modify amino acids at or near the active site, so the enzyme is permanently disabled and the cell must make new molecules. Reversible inhibitors bind weakly and fall off, so their effect depends on concentration.

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