Question:

Michaelis Menten Constant $(K_m)$ is equal to

Updated On: Jul 6, 2022
  • the rate of reaction
  • the rate of enzymatic activity
  • substrate concentration at which the reaction attains half of its maximum velocity
  • substrate concentration at which the rate of reaction is maximum
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

$K_m$ or the Michaelis-Menten constant is defined as the substrate concentration (expressed in moles/l) at which half-maximum velocity in an enzyme catalysed reaction is achieved. It indicates that half of the enzyme molecules (i.e. $50\%$) are bound with the substrate molecules when the substrate concentration equals the Km value. It was given by Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten $(1913)$. $K_m$ value is a characteristic feature of a given enzyme. It is a representative for measuring the strength of $ES$ complex. A low $K_m$ value indicates a strong affinity between enzyme and substrate, whereas a high $K_m$ value reflects a weak affinity between them. For majority of enzymes, the $K_m$ values are in the range of $10^{-5}$ to $10^{-2}$ moles.
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Notes on Biomolecules

Concepts Used:

Biomolecules

Biomolecules are the most essential organic molecules, which are involved in the maintenance and metabolic processes of living organisms. These non-living molecules are the actual foot-soldiers of the battle of sustenance of life.

There are four major classes of Biomolecules –  Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic acids and Lipids.

  1. Carbohydrates are chemically defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or compounds which produce them on hydrolysis.
  2. Proteins are another class of indispensable biomolecules, which make up around 50per cent of the cellular dry weight. Proteins are polymers of amino acids arranged in the form of polypeptide chains. The structure of proteins is classified as primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary in some cases.
  3. Nucleic acids refer to the genetic material found in the cell that carries all the hereditary information from parents to progeny. There are two types of nucleic acids namely, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The main function of nucleic acid is the transfer of genetic information and synthesis of proteins by processes known as translation and transcription.
  4. Lipids are organic substances that are insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, are related to fatty acids and are utilized by the living cell.