During the simulation, I observed the following:
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If amylase is attached to the amylase inhibitor, will it break down starch?
No, if amylase is bound to the amylase inhibitor, it will not be able to break down starch. The inhibitor prevents the enzyme from functioning effectively. -
What happens to the enzyme/inhibitor complex when it touches starch?
The enzyme/inhibitor complex does not interact with starch in a productive manner. Since the inhibitor is blocking the active site of amylase, the complex cannot bind to starch to catalyze its hydrolysis into smaller sugars. -
How does the presence of the amylase inhibitor affect the rate of the entire reaction? (faster or slower)
The presence of the amylase inhibitor significantly slows down the rate of the entire reaction. Since the inhibitor prevents amylase from functioning, starch remains unbroken down, leading to a decrease in the overall reaction rate. -
What would happen if you add a couple of maltase molecules?
Adding a couple of maltase molecules would not directly affect the breakdown of starch, as maltase specifically hydrolyzes maltose into glucose. Since there is no maltose present (maltose concentration is at 0), the addition of maltase would have no immediate impact on the reaction while starch remains intact. However, if starch were to be appropriately broken down into maltose, maltase would facilitate the further breakdown of maltose into glucose. But as it stands, it does not alter the current scenario with the starch and the presence of the inhibitor.
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