Inhibition of enzymes by metal ion-chelating reagents. Theory and new graphical methods of study

Abstract

1. The mechanism of inhibition of enzymes by metal ion-chelating reagents is discussed and equations derived. 2. Two distinct mechanisms are postulated and graphical methods are given for differentiating between them. 3. Where the metal ion is actually removed from the enzyme to form a co-ordination complex in solution, a procedure is described for obtaining the stability constant for metal–enzyme interaction, the number of metal ions involved and the stoicheiometry of metal ion–ligand interaction.