Parameter Reliability and Understanding Enzyme Function

Abstract

Knowledge of the Michaelis–Menten parameters and their meaning in different circumstances is an essential prerequisite to understanding enzyme function and behaviour. The published literature contains an abundance of values reported for many enzymes. The problem concerns assessing the appropriateness and validity of such material for the purpose to which it is to be applied. This review considers the evaluation of such data with particular emphasis on the assessment of its fitness for purpose.

Keywords

• enzyme kinetics
• Michaelis constant
• maximal velocity
• substrate competition
• enzyme inhibition
• cooperativity