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nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The function of a chelating agent, such as EDTA, in an enzyme reaction is to

A. Bind to the active site as a competitive inhibitor
B. Bind to and remove free metal ion activators or cofactors from the solution
✓
C. Denature the protein by breaking disulfide bridges
D. Increase the substrate concentration to saturating levels

📝 Explanation

Many enzymes require metal ions (like Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) as activators or cofactors. EDTA chelates (binds tightly to) these divalent cations, making them unavailable to the enzyme. This effectively inhibits the enzyme's activity. Adding back an excess of the metal ion reverses the inhibition.

📖 Additional Information

  • Bind to the active site as a competitive inhibitor
  • Bind to and remove free metal ion activators or cofactors from the solution
  • Denature the protein by breaking disulfide bridges
  • Increase the substrate concentration to saturating levels

Many enzymes require metal ions (like Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) as activators or cofactors. EDTA chelates (binds tightly to) these divalent cations, making them unavailable to the enzyme. This effectively inhibits the enzyme's activity. Adding back an excess of the metal ion reverses the inhibition.

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