Which of the following describes how inhibitors affect the reaction rate of enzymes?

Inhibitors play a significant role in enzymatic reactions by influencing the active site of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind. When an inhibitor is present, it can bind to the active site, either directly blocking it or altering the enzyme's shape in a way that prevents the substrate from binding effectively. This interruption leads to a decrease in the overall rate of the reaction because the substrate molecules are unable to interact with the enzyme as they normally would.

This interaction between the inhibitor and the enzyme is critical for regulating metabolic processes; without such inhibitors, enzymes might work continuously without control, potentially leading to an imbalance in biochemical pathways. Therefore, the correct understanding of how inhibitors function illustrates their capacity to significantly reduce enzymatic activity, which aligns with the description provided in the chosen answer.