General equation of steady-state enzyme kinetics using net rate constants and its application to the kinetic analysis of catalase reaction

The steady-state velocity equation is derived for the general reaction scheme containing n kinds of enzyme species connected by a network of reversible reaction steps. The general equation is represented by the net rate constants as well as the true rate constants of the individual reaction steps. Using a general equation, equations for simpler schemes can easily be derived. Furthermore, the velocity equation expressed by net rate constants is useful for understanding the dynamic state of any reaction be it simple or complex. The generality of the presented equation is tested in a complex reaction involving Bacillus stearothermophilus catalase I. In addition, the applicability of the general equation in analysing the reaction specificity and dynamic state of the reaction is shown. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.