What does enzyme kinetics study?

Enzyme kinetics primarily focuses on the rate and velocity of biochemical reactions that are catalyzed by enzymes. It investigates how factors such as substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, temperature, and pH affect the speed at which reactions occur. Key concepts in enzyme kinetics include the measurement of reaction rates, understanding the relationship between substrate concentration and reaction velocity (as described by the Michaelis-Menten equation), and determining the affinity of enzymes for their substrates.

This understanding of reaction rates helps in characterizing enzyme activity and regulation, allowing for insights into how enzymes function in biological systems under various conditions. Developing a clear grasp of these kinetics can significantly inform analyses in areas like drug design, metabolism, and enzyme inhibition.