AAMC FL Practice Exam

What does Kcat represent in enzyme kinetics?

1. The rate at which substrate is transformed into product

2. The concentration of substrate needed for maximum velocity

3. The total number of enzyme molecules available

4. The saturation level of substrate at maximum enzyme activity

The correct answer is: The rate at which substrate is transformed into product

Kcat, also known as the turnover number, represents the rate at which a substrate is converted into product by an enzyme when the enzyme is fully saturated with substrate. Specifically, Kcat provides a measure of the maximum number of substrate molecules that one enzyme molecule can convert to product per unit of time under optimal conditions. This metric allows for the comparison of the efficiency of different enzymes, as it indicates how quickly an enzyme can catalyze a reaction once the substrate is available in excess. This concept is critical in enzyme kinetics because it reflects the maximum velocity (Vmax) of the reaction, normalized to enzyme concentration. Understanding Kcat helps in determining how effective an enzyme is in facilitating biochemical reactions, particularly in metabolic pathways and industrial applications. The other options do not accurately define Kcat: the concentration of substrate needed for maximum velocity pertains to the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), which describes how readily an enzyme binds its substrate; the total number of enzyme molecules available does not relate directly to Kcat but rather indicates enzyme concentration; the saturation level of substrate at maximum enzyme activity is more aligned with the understanding of Vmax rather than the Kcat value itself.