[micromelissa]

I have some general questions regarding enzyme kinetics and need a solid clarification on some terms. I am typing up a biochemistry lab report where some Michaels-Menten kinetics were used in the experiment. I have calculated average catalytic rates in different time intervals:

0-10min: 0.0027
0-30s: 0.0045
30s-1min: 0.0058
1min-2min: 0.0048
2-3min: 0.0039
3-5min: 0.0030
5-7.5min: 0.0018
7.5-10min: 0.00097

(not sure if units of rate is relevant for the question I am asking..)

1)Are the average catalytic rates the same for the different intervals? If not, why not?
2) Define Vo. (inital rate.)
3)Which average catalytic rate most closely approximates Vo (inital rate) for the reaction?
4)Why is determining Vo important?
5) Why is it that the measured enzyme rate cannot be assumed to be Vo?

I feel like I am missing something here. Maybe these questions are so general that I am over thinking it. My lab manual and the theory explaining these concepts is extremely poorly written.  Can someone please explain to me the significance of these questions.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Babcock_Hall]

What does the concept of initial velocity mean to you?  Was it defined in your class or in your textbook?  What changes will happen in the reaction vessel over time?