Question

Is trimethoprim a mechanism-based inhibitor of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase?

Short answer

Trimethoprim is not a mechanism-based inhibitor of bacterial DHFR because it is a reversible inhibitor.

Step-by-step solution

Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is an antifolate, a substance that prevents folate cofactors from working properly.It binds to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and inhibits its activity.

Trimethoprim is a mechanism-based inhibitor of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase or not

The irreversible inhibition of enzymes by substrate analogs is known as mechanism-based inhibition in biochemistry. As trimethoprim is a reversible inhibitor, it can be said to be a mechanism-based inhibitor of bacterial DHFR.