Determining the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) are crucial parameters in enzyme kinetics. The Lineweaver-Burke plot is a graphical representation that allows researchers to determine these values. Alpha () is the negative inverse of the Michaelis constant ( = -1/Km). To find on a Lineweaver-Burke plot, locate the x-intercept of the linear regression line fitted to the data points. The x-intercept represents -1/Km, so finding its reciprocal (1/-1/Km) will give you the value of , which is equal to Km.
The Lineweaver-Burk plot is a useful tool for analyzing enzyme kinetics because it can provide insights into the type of enzyme inhibition and the enzyme’s affinity for its substrate. The plot can also be used to determine the kinetic parameters of multi-substrate enzymes and enzymes that exhibit allosteric regulation.
