How does the Michaelis-Menten Equation Apply to Catalysis?
In the context of catalysis, the Michaelis-Menten equation provides insights into the catalytic efficiency and substrate specificity of enzymes. By understanding \( K_m \) and \( V_{max} \), researchers can infer how effectively an enzyme catalyzes a reaction and how it interacts with different substrates. This is crucial for designing and optimizing industrial catalytic processes, developing pharmaceutical drugs, and studying metabolic pathways.