Substrate Concentration Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the substrate concentration in enzyme kinetics when enzyme modifying factors are present.
Purpose: It helps biochemists and researchers account for inhibitors or activators that modify enzyme behavior in the Michaelis-Menten equation.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for how inhibitors or activators (represented by α and α') affect the standard Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
Details: Accurate substrate concentration determination is crucial for enzyme characterization, drug development, and understanding metabolic pathways.
Tips: Enter all required values with appropriate units. The modifying factors (α and α') typically range between 0.1-10, representing inhibition or activation effects.
Q1: What do α and α' represent?
A: These are modifying factors that account for how inhibitors or activators affect enzyme kinetics (α for free enzyme, α' for enzyme-substrate complex).
Q2: When would α equal α'?
A: For competitive inhibition, α = α'; for pure noncompetitive inhibition, α = α' ≠ 1.
Q3: What are typical values for KM?
A: KM values vary widely but often range from 10-6 to 10-2 mol/L depending on the enzyme and substrate.
Q4: How do I determine Vmax experimentally?
A: Vmax is determined by measuring reaction rates at saturating substrate concentrations.
Q5: What if my denominator calculates to zero?
A: This indicates an impossible condition where (Vmax/α') = V₀. Check your input values.