A simplified and computerizable regulatory enzyme model.

Abstract

The concept of enzymes as simple biological catalysts has become too limiting and the kinetic behaviour has evidenced that the interaction of an enzyme with its substrate is more complex and can be influenced by various regulatory effectors. The resulting activity should be exactly what is required for the control of the overall flux through the metabolic pathway. A simplified enzyme model which can explain the sigmoidicity and the heterotropic effect involves the introduction of a limited number of kinetic parameters to obtain the best fit from v and s experimental values. This results in a more useful way to evaluate the possible regulatory effects of various substances such as metabolites, hormones and drugs.