Biology Help Thanks :)?

[xCupidsEnemyx]

The Influenza drug Relenza works because it binds to the active sites of one of the virus enzymes, nueraminidase. A glove hand analogy has been proposed to explain how such systems work. This analogy is outlines in the diagram (Link attatched)
a) What Is the Funtion of tje neuraminidase in the influenza virus?
b) Explain whether you think the glove-hand analogy is appropriate in the case of this particular enzyme?

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b144/hottieaussie05/enzyme.jpg

[Dasha]

ahahh i've always hated the glove-hand analogy .. anyway,

a)neuraminidase has functions that aid in the efficiency of virus release from cells - by that, i mean it allows the virus to spread quickly. administration of chemical inhibitors of neuraminidase is a treatment that limits the severity and spread of viral infections - they are substrates that compete for the same active site on the virus as the neuraminidase, not allowing it to bind because of the competitive inhibition. thus, because of the lack of neuraminidase, the severity of the virus is limited ... it's kind of like neuraminidase is the catalyst for the infections, and by giving the patient inhibitors, you are removing the catalyst.
b)the glove hand analogy is appropriate - looking at your picture, neuraminidase acts as the 'first' subtrate, and it can be competitvely inhibited by another substrate, which does not allow it to bind