Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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![### Understanding the Michaelis Constant (KM)
In the study of enzyme kinetics, the Michaelis constant (KM) for a substrate is a crucial parameter that defines the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is at half of its maximum. This concept can be expressed in a few different ways:
a. **k-1/k2**: This option suggests a relation involving reaction rate constants. Typically, KM is more directly related to the breakdown and formation of enzyme-substrate complexes rather than a simple ratio of these constants.
b. **Vmax/2**: This option is incorrect as KM specifically refers to substrate concentration, not the velocity directly.
c. **[S] at Vmax/2**: This is the correct representation. KM is defined as the substrate concentration ([S]) at which the reaction velocity is half of Vmax (maximum velocity).
Understanding KM helps in determining the affinity of an enzyme for its substrate; a lower KM indicates a higher affinity, meaning less substrate is needed to reach half of the maximum reaction rate.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fe513d6b9-b548-4fc1-a571-93d4b3d9367d%2F2dec64ca-be04-45f5-8216-eee14f993cbb%2Fk2009er_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Michaelis Constant (KM)
In the study of enzyme kinetics, the Michaelis constant (KM) for a substrate is a crucial parameter that defines the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is at half of its maximum. This concept can be expressed in a few different ways:
a. **k-1/k2**: This option suggests a relation involving reaction rate constants. Typically, KM is more directly related to the breakdown and formation of enzyme-substrate complexes rather than a simple ratio of these constants.
b. **Vmax/2**: This option is incorrect as KM specifically refers to substrate concentration, not the velocity directly.
c. **[S] at Vmax/2**: This is the correct representation. KM is defined as the substrate concentration ([S]) at which the reaction velocity is half of Vmax (maximum velocity).
Understanding KM helps in determining the affinity of an enzyme for its substrate; a lower KM indicates a higher affinity, meaning less substrate is needed to reach half of the maximum reaction rate.
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