Equations · Chemistry and biology
Michaelis–Menten equation
The rate of an enzyme reaction as the substrate concentration rises.
v = V_max[S] / (K_m + [S])
Aethel says
v equals V sub max times the concentration of S, over the quantity K sub m plus the concentration of S
What it says
At low substrate concentration the rate climbs almost in proportion; at high concentration the enzyme is saturated and the rate levels off at its maximum.
K_m is the substrate concentration at which the rate is half its maximum: a small K_m means the enzyme works well even when substrate is scarce.
Symbol by symbol
| Symbol | Say it | Means |
|---|---|---|
| v | v | the reaction rate |
| V_max | V max | the maximum rate |
| [S] | the concentration of S | the substrate concentration |
| K_m | K m | the Michaelis constant |
Where you meet it
Biochemistry, pharmacology and enzymology.
Questions
How do you say Michaelis–Menten equation out loud?
v = V_max[S] / (K_m + [S]) is read: “v equals V sub max times the concentration of S, over the quantity K sub m plus the concentration of S.” That is exactly what Aethel says when it meets the formula in a book.
What does v mean in Michaelis–Menten equation?
v (said “v”) is the reaction rate.
What does V_max mean in Michaelis–Menten equation?
V_max (said “V max”) is the maximum rate.
Can I listen to the equations in my own textbook like this?
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