Fun with graphs
Despite how funny-looking the Michaelis-Menten equation is, it turns out to be very simple to interpret. Vmax sets the upper bound (its an assymptote, since actual reaction rate never reaches Vmax), and Km anchors the curve at 1/2 Vmax:
The Parameters
| Vmax: |
| Km: |
The Equation
V = Vmax * [S] / (Km + [S])
V = * [S] / ( + [S])
The Graph of Reaction Rate
This also means that if I tell you what Km and Vmax are, you can easily sketch a graph of the Michaelis-Menten curve. Try it below:
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