1. What is Initial Enzyme Concentration?

Definition: The Initial Enzyme Concentration is defined as the concentration of enzyme at the start of the reaction.

Purpose: This calculator determines the total enzyme concentration based on the enzyme conservation law in biochemical reactions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( [E_0] \) — Initial enzyme concentration (mol/m³)
• \( E \) — Free catalyst concentration (mol/m³)
• \( [ES] \) — Enzyme-substrate complex concentration (mol/m³)

Explanation: The total enzyme concentration equals the sum of free enzyme and enzyme bound in complexes with substrate.

3. Importance of Enzyme Conservation Law

Details: This fundamental principle in enzyme kinetics ensures mass balance in enzymatic reactions and is crucial for understanding reaction mechanisms.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the free enzyme concentration and enzyme-substrate complex concentration in mol/m³. Both values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for the concentrations?
A: The calculator uses mol/m³ (SI units), but you can convert from other units like M (mol/L) by multiplying by 1000.

Q2: Does this apply to all enzyme reactions?
A: Yes, the enzyme conservation law applies to all single-substrate enzymatic reactions.

Q3: How do I measure [ES] experimentally?
A: [ES] can be estimated using spectroscopic methods or by measuring reaction rates under different conditions.

Q4: What if I have multiple substrates?
A: The principle still applies but becomes more complex with additional terms for each enzyme-substrate complex.

Q5: Can [E₀] change during a reaction?
A: No, [E₀] is constant - it's the total enzyme present at the start of the reaction.