What is the Relationship Between Km and V0 in the Michaelis-Menten Curve?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between Km and V0 in the context of the Michaelis-Menten curve, exploring both conceptual understanding and mathematical implications. Participants examine how changes in substrate concentration ([S]) affect reaction velocity (V0) in different regions of the curve.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a mathematical equation related to V0 and Km, seeking to identify an error in their calculations.
  • Another participant emphasizes the conceptual nature of the question, suggesting that visualizing the Michaelis-Menten curve could aid understanding.
  • Some participants argue that in the region where [S] < Km, the relationship between V0 and [S] is approximately linear, indicating that doubling [S] will approximately double V0.
  • Others note that in the region where [S] > Km, the increase in V0 is less than double when [S] is doubled, due to a decrease in slope.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the conceptual behavior of the Michaelis-Menten curve in relation to substrate concentration, but there is no consensus on the mathematical calculations presented by the first participant.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the linearity of the V0-[S] relationship in different regions of the Michaelis-Menten curve, but does not resolve the mathematical steps or errors identified by the first participant.

TytoAlba95
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The relevant formua: V0= (Vmax x )/ (Km + )
From the question:
2(Vmax x 0.5)/ (Km + 0.5) = (Vmax x 1)/ (Km + 1)
=> 2(Vmax x 0.5)/ (Km + 0.5) = (Vmax x 1)/ (Km + 1)
=> 1 x (Km +1) = (Km + 0.5)

Where am I making the mistake?
 
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This is a conceptual question that does not require any calculations to solve. Consider the shape of a general Michaelis-Menten curve (it may be helpful to draw one). In the region where [ S] < Km, if you double [ S] will the reaction velocity approximately double? In the region where [S] > Km, if you double [ S] will the reaction velocity approximately double?
 
Considering the general Michaelis-Menten curve, in the region where S < Km, the V0- relationship is linear, so yes the reaction velocity doubles as S approximately doubles.
It is not the same when S > Km, because the slope decreases, the rise of V0 with S will be less than double.
 
TytoAlba95 said:
Considering the general Michaelis-Menten curve, in the region where S < Km, the V0- relationship is linear, so yes the reaction velocity doubles as S approximately doubles.
It is not the same when S > Km, because the slope decreases, the rise of V0 with S will be less than double.

Yes, that is correct. With these principles in mind, this should lead you to the correct response.
 

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