chemistry / Chemistry of Life / free

Biochemistry

Understand the reactions that let cells store, move, and use energy.

Follow the cause1 / 3

A substrate finds a selective site. Shape, charge, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions make some encounters productive.

enzyme actionv = 60 · binding
Focus the idea
Substrate concentration changes enzyme velocityA substrate concentration of 58 and inhibitor effect of 18 produce a relative velocity of 60.v = Vmax[S]/(Kₘ + [S])[S] →velocity ↑
substrate58%
effective Vmax94%
velocity60%
mechanismcatalysis

More substrate raises encounter frequency until active sites approach saturation. An inhibitor lowers the available catalytic capacity in this teaching model.

The Michaelis–Menten curve is a simplified steady-state model. Real enzymes can have multiple substrates, cooperativity, allostery, crowding, and regulation.

04 / PRACTICE

Make the chemistry yours.

0 / 3 checked

Answer from the model, then use the explanation to connect the particle picture to the chemical rule.

CHECK 1 / 3

Why does enzyme velocity plateau at high substrate concentration?