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Narrative
Let's return to our thrombin demonstration. If a thrombin inhibitor is present in the blood, the effect is completely different from our first demonstration. Here, an inhibitor is added to the blood. Then the thrombin is added.

The inhibitor blocks the active site of the thrombin. Because the thrombin is inhibited, the blood doesn't form a clot.

In the case of HIV, scientists are searching for safe and effective inhibitors for HIV-1 protease. A suitable inhibitor would shut down the reproduction of HIV in the human body. It could be a treatment for HIV and AIDS.