Zinc, an Essential Trace Element for Most Organisms, Is Present

Multiple Choice

Zinc, an essential trace element for most organisms, is present in the active site of the enzyme carboxypeptidase. The zinc most likely functions as ________.

A) a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme
B) a noncompetitive inhibitor of the enzyme
C) an allosteric activator of the enzyme
D) a cofactor necessary for enzyme activity
E) a coenzyme derived from a vitamin