A researcher is studying an enzymatic pathway in a certain type of bacteria. She observes that when a specific molecule binds to an allosteric site on one of the enzymes, the production rate of the final product decreases. What is most likely happening at the molecular level?

• A. The molecule acts as a competitive inhibitor, increasing substrate affinity
• B. The molecule acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor, reducing enzyme activity without affecting substrate binding
• C. The molecule enhances enzyme activity by acting as an activator
• D. The molecule has no effect on enzyme activity but increases product degradation

Answer: (A)