Michaelis Constant Formula:
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The Michaelis Constant (KM) is numerically equal to the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is half of the maximum rate of the system. It represents the affinity of an enzyme for its substrate.
The calculator uses the Michaelis Constant formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula accounts for enzyme inhibition effects through modifying factors α and α', providing an adjusted Michaelis constant value.
Details: Accurate KM determination is crucial for understanding enzyme kinetics, characterizing enzyme-substrate interactions, and studying enzyme inhibition mechanisms in biochemical systems.
Tips: Enter substrate concentration in mol/m³, maximum rate and initial reaction rate in mol/m³·s, and modifying factors as dimensionless values. All values must be positive.
Q1: What does a low KM value indicate?
A: A low KM value indicates high enzyme affinity for the substrate, meaning the enzyme reaches half its maximum velocity at low substrate concentrations.
Q2: How do modifying factors affect KM?
A: Modifying factors α and α' account for competitive and uncompetitive inhibition effects, respectively, altering the apparent KM value.
Q3: What are typical KM values?
A: KM values vary widely depending on the enzyme and substrate, typically ranging from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻² M for most enzyme-substrate pairs.
Q4: When is this modified equation used?
A: This equation is used when enzyme inhibitors are present that affect either the enzyme alone (α) or the enzyme-substrate complex (α').
Q5: How does temperature affect KM?
A: Temperature can affect KM values, with optimal temperature typically giving the most accurate measurement of enzyme-substrate affinity.