How does uncompetitive inhibition affect the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) in enzyme kinetics?

Uncompetitive inhibition decreases the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) in enzyme kinetics. This is because uncompetitive inhibitors bind to the enzyme-substrate complex, preventing the release of the product and lowering the apparent affinity of the enzyme for the substrate. As a result, the enzyme requires a lower substrate concentration to reach half of its maximum velocity, leading to a decrease in Km.