Michaelis-Menten equation

The Michaelis-Menten equation (pronounced: mi-kah-lis men-ten) is a mathematical model in biochemistry that describes the rate of enzymatic reactions. The equation was named after Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten, who first proposed the model in 1913.

Etymology

The term "Michaelis-Menten equation" is derived from the names of the two biochemists who first introduced the concept, Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten.

Definition

The Michaelis-Menten equation is defined as:

v = Vmax[S] / (Km + [S])

where:

v is the rate of the reaction
Vmax is the maximum rate achieved by the system
[S] is the concentration of the substrate
Km is the Michaelis constant, which is the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is half of Vmax

Related Terms

Enzyme kinetics: The study of the chemical reactions that are catalyzed by enzymes. The Michaelis-Menten equation is a fundamental part of this field.
Leonor Michaelis: A German biochemist who, along with Maud Menten, proposed the Michaelis-Menten equation.
Maud Menten: A Canadian physician-scientist who, along with Leonor Michaelis, proposed the Michaelis-Menten equation.
Substrate (biochemistry): The molecule upon which an enzyme acts. In the Michaelis-Menten equation, the concentration of the substrate is denoted by [S].
Vmax: The maximum rate achieved by the system, at maximum (saturating) substrate concentrations.
Km (biochemistry): The Michaelis constant, a key parameter of the Michaelis-Menten equation.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Michaelis-Menten equation
Wikipedia's article - Michaelis-Menten equation

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Michaelis-Menten equation