Enter the maximum rate of the reaction and the substrate concentration into the calculator to determine the reaction velocity.

Michaelis Menten Equation Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Michaelis-Menten equation. 

V = (Vmax * [S]) / (Km + [S])

Variables:

  • V is the reaction velocity
  • Vmax is the maximum rate of the reaction
  • [S] is the substrate concentration
  • Km is the Michaelis constant, which is the substrate concentration at which the reaction velocity is half of Vmax

To calculate the reaction velocity, multiply the maximum rate of the reaction (Vmax) by the substrate concentration ([S]). Then divide this result by the sum of the Michaelis constant (Km) and the substrate concentration ([S]).

What is a Michaelis Menten Equation?

The Michaelis-Menten equation is a mathematical model describing the enzymatic reaction rate. It was named after Leonor Michaelis and Maud Menten, who proposed the model in 1913. The equation illustrates the relationship between a substrate’s concentration and the reaction speed, taking into account the maximum speed of the reaction (Vmax) and the substrate concentration at which the reaction speed is half of Vmax (Km). It is a fundamental concept in enzyme kinetics, which is the study of the rate of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes.

How to Calculate Michaelis Menten Equation?

The following steps outline how to calculate the reaction velocity (V) using the Michaelis Menten Equation:

  1. First, determine the maximum rate of the reaction (Vmax).
  2. Next, determine the substrate concentration ([S]).
  3. Next, calculate the Michaelis constant (Km).
  4. Finally, use the formula V = (Vmax * [S]) / (Km + [S]) to calculate the reaction velocity (V).
  5. After inserting the values of Vmax, [S], and Km into the formula, calculate the result.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Vmax = 50

[S] = 10

Km = 5