n. pl. locÂ·ules or locÂ·uÂ·li (-lÄ«â²). A small cavity or compartment within an organ or part of an animal or plant, as any of the cavities within a plant ovary. [Latin.
Competitive inhibition is a form of enzyme inhibition where binding of the inhibitor to the active site on the enzyme prevents binding of the substrate and vice versa. Most competitive inhibitors function by binding reversibly to the active site of the enzyme.
a molecule that prevents an enzyme from catalysing a reaction. Such inhibitors can compete with the normal substrate (see COMPETITIVE INHIBITION or can block the active site, preventing entry of the substrate (see NONCOMPETITIVE INHIBITION). Inhibition may be reversible or irreversible. Enzyme inhibitors often form part of a FEEDBACK MECHANISM to regulate a biochemical pathway.