Vmax
Vmax
Vmax (pronounced: V-max) is a term used in Enzymology to denote the maximum rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. It is a measure of the enzyme's catalytic turnover number when the enzyme is saturated with substrate.
Etymology
The term 'Vmax' is derived from the words 'Velocity maximum'. In the context of enzymology, 'velocity' refers to the rate of the reaction, and 'maximum' refers to the highest possible rate that can be achieved under given conditions.
Definition
Vmax is the maximum rate at which an enzyme can catalyze a reaction. It is reached when all the enzyme's active sites are occupied by the substrate. At this point, adding more substrate will not increase the reaction rate.
Calculation
Vmax is calculated using the Michaelis-Menten equation, which describes the rate of enzymatic reactions. The equation is as follows:
V = Vmax[S]/(Km + [S])
Where:
- V is the reaction velocity
- Vmax is the maximum reaction velocity
- [S] is the substrate concentration
- Km is the Michaelis constant, which is the substrate concentration at which the reaction velocity is half of Vmax.
Related Terms
- Enzyme kinetics: The study of the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
- Michaelis constant (Km): A measure of the affinity of an enzyme for its substrate.
- Enzyme: A protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions.
- Substrate: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vmax
- Wikipedia's article - Vmax
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