Competitive enzyme inhibitors affect which kinetic parameter?

A Vmax only

B Km only (increases it)

C Both Vmax and Km

D Neither

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Competitive inhibitors increase the apparent Km (lower apparent affinity) but do not change Vmax, because at saturating substrate concentrations the inhibitor is outcompeted.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "Competitive enzyme inhibitors affect which kinetic parameter?" is Option B: Km only (increases it).

The other options — A) Vmax only, C) Both Vmax and Km, D) Neither — are incorrect for this MCAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: Competitive inhibitors increase the apparent Km (lower apparent affinity) but do not change Vmax, because at saturating substrate concentrations the inhibitor is outcompeted.

📚 About This MCAT Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level MCAT Exam Prep question from the Biological & Biochemical Foundations topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free MCAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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Competitive enzyme inhibitors affect which kinetic parameter?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This MCAT Exam Prep Practice Question

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