Analysis of Initial Velocity Patterns

Abstract

One could in principle study the full time course of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction until the equilibrium is reached. This is not practiced because (a) the equations soon become very complex to handle; (b) with reasonable progress of the reaction, inhibition by product(s) sets in; and (c) it is difficult to follow the many, simultaneously changing reactant concentrations. For these reasons experiments are best conducted under steady state and initial velocity conditions. Employing the method reduction approach, data is generated almost always by systematically changing one variable at a time.