Phenomenological patterns in enzymatic catalysis

Abstract

A statistical analysis of rate constants of limiting reaction steps and of Michaelis constants is carried out. The densities of parameter distributions follow the normal logarithmic equations with parameter values, k cat = 55 s −1 and K M = 1 × 10 −4M. The efficiency of catalysis with enzymes, and the mean and limiting k cat and K M values are discussed. The correlations between the limiting rate constants and the Michaelis constants are analyzed. Strong correlations between the parameters are observed in a number of cases, with slopes in logarithmic coordinates of −1, 0, 1, 2, infinity. The possible molecular mechanisms explaining the observed phenomenological patterns are discussed.