Kinetics of enzyme reactions

In this chapter, we will explain how the rate of enzymatic reactions can be measured and how it can be described both graphically and mathematically. We will focus on the Michaelis–Menten equation and on why it is sometimes advantageous to linearize the curve. We will demonstrate how enzyme activity is measured, which units are used, and why in clinical practice it is not only the amount of enzyme that is evaluated, but its actual catalytic capacity. Finally, the chapter will link theory with practice and highlight the importance of enzyme kinetics for clinical biochemistry and medicine.

Table of contents:

• 2. Introduction
• 3. Enzymes — How fast do enzymes work
• 4. Reaction Kinetics — What it studies and why it matters
• 5. The Michaelis–Menten Curve
• 6. Why Linearize the Michaelis–Menten Curve?
• 7. Measuring Enzyme Activity — Units
• 8. Catalytic Concentration of an Enzyme
• 9. Summary