Chapter 13, Problem 14P

Answers to all problems are at the end of this book. Detailed solutions are available in the Student Solutions Manual, Study Guide, and Problems Book.

Quantitative Relationships Between Rate Constants to Calculate K_m, Kinetic Efficiency (k_cat/K_m) and V_max - VI The enzyme catalase catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide:

${\text{2H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\rightleftharpoons 2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O+O2}$The turnover number (k_cat) for catalase is 40,000,000 sec^-1. The K_m of catalase for its substrate H₂O₂ is 0.11 M.

a. In an experiment using 3 nanomole/L of catalase, what is V_max?

b. What is v when [H₂O₂] = 0.75 M?

c. What is the catalytic efficiency of catalase?

d. Does catalase approach "catalytic perfection"?