Question: 134 Melonate inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria by inhibiting the activity of
(1) Lipase
(2) Dinitrogenase
(3) Succinic dehydrogenase
(4) Amylase
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
Malonate is a structural analogue of succinate and acts as a competitive inhibitor.
In cellular respiration, succinate is converted into fumarate by the enzyme succinic
dehydrogenase in the Krebs cycle.
Malonate competes with succinate for the active site of succinic dehydrogenase but
cannot be oxidized further.
As a result, the Krebs cycle is inhibited, leading to reduced energy production in pathogenic bacteria.
This inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase suppresses bacterial growth.
Therefore, malonate inhibits the activity of succinic dehydrogenase.
Hence, Option (3) is the correct answer.