A competitive inhibitor is introduced to a reaction involving an enzyme and its substrate. What is the likely effect on the reaction rate?

• A. The reaction rate will increase as the inhibitor enhances enzyme activity.
• B. The reaction rate will decrease as the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.
• C. The reaction rate will remain unchanged as inhibitors do not affect enzyme activity.
• D. The reaction rate will decrease as the inhibitor permanently deactivates the enzyme.

Answer: (B)