Irreversible Inhibition: A Mechanistic Approach

The video tutorial explains suicide inhibition, a type of irreversible enzyme inhibition where an inhibitor covalently binds to an enzyme, rendering it inactive. The mechanism of thymidylate synthase is discussed, highlighting how 5-fluorouracil acts as a suicide inhibitor by replacing a hydrogen with a fluorine, preventing the enzyme from functioning. This mechanism is used in cancer treatment to stop DNA replication in rapidly dividing cells. The video concludes with a preview of future topics on competitive, uncompetitive, and mixed inhibition.

What are the consequences of thymidylate synthase inhibition on DNA replication?

How does the drug 5-fluorouracil function as an anti-cancer agent?

Discuss the importance of understanding enzyme mechanisms in drug design.