Question

Whats the symbol (not the full name) of the term in the Michaelis-Menten equation that is the concentration for which vo = (Vmax/2).

Answer 1

The Michaelis Menten equation is :

Here, Km = Michaelis Menten constant, [ S] = substrate concentration.

The concentration for which v0 = v(max)/2 is needed. So , putting v0 = v(max)/2 in the equation :

Cancelling out v(max) , and cross multiplying ;

Km + [S] = 2[S]

Or, [S] = Km.

So, the concentration when v0 = v(max)/2 is given by Km ( Km is the symbol for the Michaelis Menten constant).