Inhibitors are substances that slow down a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. They work by reducing the rate of reaction by interfering with the active sites on the enzyme or by changing the shape of the enzyme, making it less effective. Inhibitors can be divided into two categories: reversible and irreversible inhibitors.

Reversible inhibitors are those that bind to the enzyme temporarily and can be removed easily. They can be further divided into two categories: competitive and non-competitive inhibitors. Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site of the enzyme, blocking the substrate from entering. Non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site on the enzyme, causing a conformational change that reduces the activity of the active site.

Irreversible inhibitors, on the other hand, bind to the enzyme permanently, causing permanent damage to the enzyme. They are often used as drugs to treat diseases like cancer, where the inhibition of certain enzymes is necessary to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Inhibitors are important in regulating chemical reactions in living organisms. For example, in the human body, inhibitors play a crucial role in regulating the activity of enzymes involved in digestion, blood clotting, and other physiological processes. They can also be used in industrial processes to control the rate of chemical reactions and prevent unwanted side reactions.