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.
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.
