Formula Used:
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The Michaelis Constant (KM) in competitive inhibition represents the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is half of the maximum rate when an inhibitor is competing with the substrate for the enzyme's active site. It provides insight into enzyme-substrate affinity under inhibitory conditions.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the apparent Michaelis constant in the presence of a competitive inhibitor, accounting for the inhibitor's effect on enzyme kinetics.
Details: Accurate determination of KM under competitive inhibition is crucial for understanding enzyme kinetics, designing enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic purposes, and predicting the effect of inhibitors on enzymatic reactions in biological systems.
Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units (mol/m³ for concentrations, mol/m³·s for rates). Ensure all values are positive and valid. The initial reaction rate should be less than the maximum rate for meaningful results.
Q1: What is competitive inhibition?
A: Competitive inhibition occurs when an inhibitor molecule competes with the substrate for binding to the enzyme's active site, increasing the apparent KM without affecting Vmax.
Q2: How does competitive inhibition affect KM?
A: Competitive inhibition increases the apparent KM value, meaning more substrate is needed to achieve half the maximum reaction rate compared to uninhibited conditions.
Q3: What is the significance of Ki in this calculation?
A: Ki (inhibitor dissociation constant) represents the affinity of the inhibitor for the enzyme. Lower Ki values indicate stronger inhibitor binding and greater effect on KM.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for non-competitive inhibition?
A: No, this specific formula is designed for competitive inhibition. Different equations are used for non-competitive and uncompetitive inhibition types.
Q5: What are typical units for these parameters?
A: Concentrations are typically in mol/m³ (equivalent to mmol/L), and reaction rates are in mol/m³·s. However, consistent units must be used throughout the calculation.