Non-competitive inhibition is a type of enzyme inhibition where an inhibitor binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site. This binding changes the enzyme's shape, reducing its ability to catalyze a reaction, regardless of whether the substrate is present. As a result, the maximum rate of reaction decreases, but the affinity for the substrate remains unchanged. In this process, the inhibitor can bind to both the enzyme and the enzyme-substrate complex. This means that even if the substrate, such as glucose, is present, the reaction rate will not reach its full potential. Non-competitive inhibition is important in regulating metabolic pathways in living organisms.