lineweaver burt plot

Question

which of the thtee methods of analysis do you think gives the least accurate estimate? Give reasons for your answer [10marks] 

 

1) v against [S] plot

2) lineweaver burk plot

3) computer analysis 

Answer 1

1) v against [S] plot

This clearly gives the least accurate estimate of the kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) of an enzyme reaction. The main reason for the inaccuracy stems from the fact that this plot takes the shape of a rectangular hyperbola, and the kinetic parameters have to be estimated from a curve that is non-linear.