Explain why a graph showing the substrate concenentration and rate of reaction for an enzyme catalysed reaction plateaus?

Initally, the rate of reaction is able to increase as concentration does because at this point, not all enzymes active sites are occupied. Therefore, by adding more substrate, a higher percentage of enzymes are able to be put to work. However, if the concentration is increased to the saturation point or above it, a graph showing the reaction will plateau. This is because the substrate is now in excess and 100% of the active sites are full. The enzyme at this point is therefore the limiting factor for increasing the rate of reaction

Answered by Nicholas W. Biology tutor

8932 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the structure of proteins


What are the major similarities between oxidative phosphorylation and non-cyclic photophosphorylation?


What is the risk of a child inheriting haemophilia A, when both parents are unaffected, but the mothers father suffered from the condition?


Why must a cell's genetic material be replicates before nuclear division of the cell? (2 Marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences