Zinc, an essential trace element for most organisms, is present in the active site of the enzyme carboxypeptidase. The zinc most likely functions as a (n)

A) competitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

B) noncompetitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

C) allosteric activator of the enzyme.

D) cofactor necessary for enzyme activity.

E) coenzyme derived from a vitamin.

Question

Brianna Willis

Biology

13 June, 15:53

Zinc, an essential trace element for most organisms, is present in the active site of the enzyme carboxypeptidase. The zinc most likely functions as a (n)

A) competitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

B) noncompetitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

C) allosteric activator of the enzyme.

D) cofactor necessary for enzyme activity.

E) coenzyme derived from a vitamin.

+3

Answers (1)

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Ashleigh · Answer 1

D) cofactor necessary for enzyme activity.

Explanation:

Carboxypeptidase is an enzyme found in the digestive system whose function is to hydrolyze a peptide bond in the terminal carbon of a protein. Said enzyme contains a zinc atom in its active site and when losing a zinc atom it would lead to loss of the activity of the enzyme, making it of great importance for the activity of the enzyme.