Dynamics and Kinetics of Enzymes Kinetic Equilibrium of Forces in Biochemistry

Abstract

To explain the high specificity, high reaction rate, and high thermodynamic efficiency in enzymatic processes, cooperation of the enzyme with a molecular transfer unit is assumed. A “kinetic equilibrium of forces” is suggested, which enables high reaction rates to occur under equilibrium conditions and a thorough examination of the substrate to be made without consumption of free energy. In case of ATPases, ion-binding proteins are the most probable transfer units. By analyzing the elementary effect in muscle contraction it is shown that the new theorem may be of substantial value in elucidating biochemical processes.