Question

What is essential to obtain reliable Vo versus substrate concentrations in order to calculate Km and Vmax?

1) The concentration of the enzyme
2) The concentration of the substrate
3) The temperature of the reaction
4) The pH of the reaction

Answer 1

To obtain reliable Vo versus substrate concentrations in order to calculate Km and Vmax, it is essential to consider the concentration of the enzyme, the concentration of the substrate, the temperature of the reaction, and the pH of the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

To obtain reliable Vo versus substrate concentrations in order to calculate Km and Vmax, it is essential to consider the concentration of the enzyme, the concentration of the substrate, the temperature of the reaction, and the pH of the reaction.

1. The concentration of the enzyme: The enzyme concentration affects the rate of the reaction. Higher enzyme concentrations can increase the rate of the reaction until all the substrate is utilized.
2. The concentration of the substrate: The substrate concentration affects the rate of the reaction as well. As the substrate concentration increases, the rate of the reaction typically increases until saturation is reached.
3. The temperature of the reaction: Enzyme activity is influenced by temperature. Most enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they work most efficiently. Deviations from the optimal temperature can affect the reliability of the data.
4. The pH of the reaction: Enzymes also have optimal pH ranges. Changes in pH can alter enzyme activity, potentially affecting the reliability of the measured Vo versus substrate concentrations.