A method for determining kinetic parameters at high enzyme concentrations

Abstract

A graphical method is described which allows determination of kinetic parameters when substrate, inhibitor or activator concentrations must be in the vicinity of the enzyme concentration and a significant fraction of ligand is bound. Velocity is measured at several ligand: enzyme ratios at two or more enzyme concentrations. Results are obtained in terms of free and bound ligand corresponding to particular velocities. The relationship between velocity and bound and free ligand may then be analysed by any desired plotting technique. Preknowledge of the reaction mechanism or experimental determination of Vmax. is not required. The relationship between ligand bound and enzyme activity need not be linear and the method is equally suitable for analysing co-operative as well as simple kinetics. Application of the method is demonstrated by analysis of the inhibition of fructose, 1,6-bisphosphatase by AMP.