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Michaelis-Menten Equation
Michaelis-Menten Curve
Michaelis-Menten Curve
Rate of ES formation = k1([ET] - [ES])[S] (where [ET] is total concentration of enzyme E and k-2 is considered neglible) Rate of ES breakdown to product = k1[ES] + k2[ES]
This equation is the basis for the final MichaelisMenten following algebraic rearrangement and substitution of Km and Vmax terms.
Meaning of Km
An important relationship that can be derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation is the following: If vo is set equal to 1/2 Vmax, then the relation Vmax /2 = Vmax[S]/Km + [S] can be simplied to Km + [S] = 2[S], or Km = [S]. This means that at
one half of the maximal velocity, the substrate concentration at this velocity will be equal to the Km. This relationship has
been shown experimentally to be valid for many enzymes much more complex in regards to the number of substrates and catalytic steps than the simple single substrate model used to derive it.
Meaning of Km (cont)
The significance of Km will change based on the different rate constants and which step is the slowest (also called the rate-limiting step). In the simplest assumption, the rate of ES breakdown to product (k2) is the ratedetermining step of the reaction, so k-1 >> k2 and Km = k-1/k1. This relation is also called a dissociation constant for the ES complex and can be used as a relative measure of the affinity of a substrate for an enzyme (identical to Kd). However if k2 >> k-1 or k2 and k-1 are similar, then K remains more complex and cannot be
Experimentally, Km is a useful parameter for characterizing the number and/or types of substrates that a particular enzyme will utilize (an example will be discussed). It is also useful for comparing similar enzymes from different tissues or different organisms. Also, it is the Km of the rate-limiting enzyme in many of the biochemical metabolic pathways that determines the amount of product and overall regulation of a given pathway. Clinically, Km comparisons are useful for evaluating the effects mutations have on protein function for some inherited genetic
Uses of Km
Meaning of Vmax
The values of Vmax will vary widely for different enzymes and can be used as an indicator of an enzymes catalytic efficiency. It does not find much clinical use. There are some enzymes that have been shown to have the following reaction sequence:
In this situation, the formation of product is dependent on the breakdown of an enzyme-product complex, and
Derivation of kcat
A more general term has been defined, termed kcat, to describe enzymes in which there are multiple catalytic steps and possible multiple rate-limiting steps. The Michaelis-Menten equation can be substituted with kcat
Ordered Ping-pong
This relation is written in the format of the equation for a straight line, y = mx + b, where y = 1/vo, m (slope) = Km/Vmax, x = 1/[S] and the y-intercept, b = 1/Vmax. When this relation is plotted,the result is a straight line graph
Definition of Ki
For reversible inhibitors, a term Ki can be determined. For competitive inhibitors, the following relation can be used: Km + I = Km (1 + [I] / Ki ) ; (where Km + I is the determined Km in the presence of [I]).
Determining the Ki for other inhibitor types is related but much more complex and not within the scope of this lecture or course
Uses of Ki
Ki values are used to characterize and compare the effectiveness of inhibitors relative to Km. This parameter is especially useful and important in evaluating the potential therapeutic value of inhibitors (drugs) of a given enzyme reaction. For example, Ki values are used for comparison of the different types of HIV protease inhibitors. In general, the lower the Ki value, the tighter the binding, and hence the more effective an inhibitor is.
Competitive Inhibition
Vmax - No change Km INCREASES - indicates a direct interaction of the inhibitor in the active site
Non-Competitive Inhibition
Vmax DECREASES - inhibitor affects rate of reactio by binding to site other than substrate active-site Km - No change
Irreversible Inhibitors
Irreversible inhibitors generally result in the destruction or modification of an essential amino acid required for enzyme activity. Frequently, this is due to some type of covalent link between enzyme and inhibitor. These types of inhibitors range from fairly simple, broadly reacting chemical modifying reagents (like iodoacetamide that reacts with cysteines) to complex inhibitors that interact specifically and irreversibly with active site amino acids. (termed suicide inhibitors). These inhibitors are designed to mimic the natural substrate in recognition and binding to an enzyme active site. Upon binding and some catalytic modification, a highly reactive inhibitor product is formed that binds irreversibly and inactivates the
Inhibitor Summary
REMEMBER - The types of enzyme inhibitors described have been for relatively simple, single substrate-product reactions that obey Michaelis-Menten kinetics. However, not all enzyme inhibitors will necessarily be one type of inhibitor. Especially for some multisubstrate reactions, a particular inhibitor can be competitive for one substrate and noncompetitive with a second or third substrate. Also, suicide inhibitors by design are generally competitive inhibitors of a substrate, and