How do allosteric activators affect enzyme kinetics?

Practice Questions

Q1
How do allosteric activators affect enzyme kinetics?
  1. Increase Vmax
  2. Decrease Km
  3. Both A and B
  4. No effect on Vmax or Km

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

How do allosteric activators affect enzyme kinetics?
  • Step 1: Understand that enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body.
  • Step 2: Know that allosteric activators are molecules that bind to an enzyme at a site different from the active site.
  • Step 3: Recognize that when an allosteric activator binds to the enzyme, it changes the shape of the enzyme.
  • Step 4: This shape change can make the enzyme work better, which means it can process more substrate (the substance the enzyme acts on).
  • Step 5: Vmax is the maximum rate of reaction that an enzyme can achieve when fully activated. Allosteric activators can increase Vmax, meaning the enzyme can work faster.
  • Step 6: Km is the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is half of Vmax. A lower Km means the enzyme can work effectively at lower substrate concentrations. Allosteric activators can decrease Km, making the enzyme more efficient.
  • Step 7: In summary, allosteric activators enhance enzyme activity by increasing Vmax and decreasing Km.
  • Allosteric Regulation – Allosteric activators bind to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, leading to a conformational change that increases enzyme activity.
  • Vmax and Km – Vmax is the maximum rate of reaction, while Km is the substrate concentration at which the reaction rate is half of Vmax; allosteric activators can modify these parameters.
Soulshift Feedback ×

On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend The Soulshift Academy?

Not likely Very likely