Firefly luciferase is the enzyme that allows fireflies to illuminate their abdomens. Because this light generation is an ATP-requiring reaction, firefly luciferase can be used to test for the presence of ATP. In this way, luciferase can test for the presence of life. The coupled reactions are
luciferin+O2ATP??oxyluciferin+lightAMP+PPi
If the overall ?G of the coupled reaction is -7.10kJ/mol , what is the equilibrium constant, K, of the first reactions at 18?C ? The ?G for the hydrolysis of ATP to AMP is ?31.6 kJ/mol.
Get Answers For Free
Most questions answered within 1 hours.