Homonym: Inhibitor (Blocker)
An "inhibitor" is a substance that slows down or prevents a specific chemical reaction or biological process. In the context of biochemistry, inhibitors can block the activity of enzymes, which are proteins that facilitate reactions in living organisms. By doing so, they can regulate various metabolic pathways and influence cellular functions.
Inhibitors are commonly used in medicine to treat diseases. For example, enzyme inhibitors can be used to lower blood pressure or reduce inflammation. Additionally, drug inhibitors are essential in cancer treatment, as they can target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells, helping to manage the disease more effectively.