How do mixed inhibitors prevent enzyme-catalyzed reactions?

• A. By binding to the product, preventing it from leaving the enzyme.
• B. By binding to either the free enzyme or the enzyme-substrate complex, preventing the reaction from proceeding.
• C. By binding only to the substrate, preventing it from interacting with the enzyme.
• D. By increasing the enzyme's affinity for the substrate, speeding up the reaction.

Answer: (B)