Analysis of the kinetics of the enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of an ester by $\alpha$-chymotrypsin show that for an initial enzyme concentration of 4.5 *10^-9 mol dm^-3, the maximum rate was 5.9 *10^-13 mol dm^-3 s^-1 and the Michaelis constant was 5.6*10^-7 dm³ mol^-1. Calculate the efficiency of the enzyme.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The efficiency of the enzyme, also known as the catalytic efficiency, is calculated using the formula k_cat/K_m. Here, k_cat = V_max/[E] = (5.9 × 10^-13 mol dm^-3 s^-1) / (4.5 × 10^-9 mol dm^-3) = 1.31 × 10^-4 s^-1. The Michaelis constant K_m is given as 5.6 × 10^-7 dm^3 mol^-1. Therefore, the efficiency is (1.31 × 10^-4 s^-1) / (5.6 × 10^-7 dm^3 mol^-1) = 230 dm^3 mol^-1 s^-1.

Analysis of the Kinetics of the Enzyme-Catalysed Hydrolysis of an Ester