Answer
The enzyme inhibition by various metal ions suggests that ions are required for the proper functioning of this enzyme however in case the ions required for functioning are absent then other ions as given Hg, Cd, or Co ions act as replacements but they cause the enzyme inhibition. Researchers have found that the inhibition of urease by various heavy metal ions inhibit the enzyme in the following decreasing order
Hg2+ > Cu2+> Zn²+ > Cd²+ > Ni2+ > Pb²+ > Co2+ > Fe³+ > As³+.
It is also suggested that the inhibitory metal ions also can disrupt conformation of an enzyme and making it lose the enzyme activity. So, this inhibitory effect doesn't prove that urease acts via metal ion catalysis.
Work Step by Step
The enzyme inhibition by various metal ions suggests that ions are required for the proper functioning of this enzyme however in case the ions required for functioning are absent then other ions as given Hg, Cd, or Co ions act as replacements but they cause the enzyme inhibition. Researchers have found that the inhibition of urease by various heavy metal ions inhibit the enzyme in the following decreasing order
Hg2+ > Cu2+> Zn²+ > Cd²+ > Ni2+ > Pb²+ > Co2+ > Fe³+ > As³+.
It is also suggested that the inhibitory metal ions also can disrupt conformation of an enzyme and making it lose the enzyme activity. So, this inhibitory effect doesn't prove that urease acts via metal ion catalysis.
