Identifying the Type of Enzyme Inhibition for Enzyme Z

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. Each enzyme has a specific structure that is intimately related to its function. Enzyme kinetics are influenced by multiple factors, including substrate concentration, temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending how enzymes operate within metabolic pathways.

Consider the following scenario: An enzyme, Z, catalyzes the conversion of substrate A into product B. You conduct an experiment to analyze the effects of varying the concentration of inhibitor Y on the rate of reaction. As you increase the concentration of Y, the reaction rate decreases significantly. When substrate A is in excess, the reaction rate still does not reach its maximum, even with high concentrations of substrate. Based on this information, which statement best describes the type of inhibition acting on enzyme Z?