Enzyme Kinetics (Michaelis-Menten) Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Enzyme Kinetics (Michaelis-Menten)

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

Michaelis-Menten kinetics describe how enzyme-catalyzed reaction velocity depends on substrate concentration. The model introduces Km (Michaelis constant), an approximate measure of substrate affinity, and Vmax (maximum rate). Enzyme inhibitors (competitive, noncompetitive, uncompetitive) alter kinetics differently. Understanding these kinetics is vital for drug development, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics (e.g., measuring enzyme activity in blood).