In a Lineweaver-Burk plot, what do the x and y intercepts represent mathematically?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the mathematical meaning of the x and y intercepts in a Lineweaver-Burk plot, which is a specific type of graph used in biochemistry to analyze enzyme kinetics.
Answer
x-intercept: -1/Km, y-intercept: 1/Vmax
In a Lineweaver-Burk plot, the x-intercept represents -1/Km, where Km is the Michaelis constant, and the y-intercept represents 1/Vmax, where Vmax is the maximum reaction rate.
Answer for screen readers
In a Lineweaver-Burk plot, the x-intercept represents -1/Km, where Km is the Michaelis constant, and the y-intercept represents 1/Vmax, where Vmax is the maximum reaction rate.
More Information
The Lineweaver-Burk plot is also known as a double reciprocal plot. It is a graphical representation of the Michaelis-Menten equation, used in enzyme kinetics.
Tips
It is a common mistake to mix up the x and y intercepts. The x intercept includes -1/ while the y intercept is simply 1/
Sources
- Question about x and y intercept for lineweaver-burke plot - Reddit - reddit.com
- Lineweaver Burk Plots – MCAT Biochemistry - MedSchoolCoach - medschoolcoach.com
- 4.2: The Equations of Enzyme Kinetics - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
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