A Two-part Approach to the Determination of Intrinsic Rate Constants of an Alpha-amylase Catalysed Reaction

Background: There is a need for equations with which to calculate the intrinsic rate constants that can further characterise enzyme catalysed reactions despite what seems to be conventional differences in methodology in the literature.

Methods: Theoretical, experimental (Bernfeld method), and computational methods.

Objectives: 1) To derive an alternative intrinsic rate constant equations consistent with their dimension, 2) derive electrostatic intermolecular potential energy equation, (xe), 3) calculate the intrinsic rate constants for forward (k1) and reverse (k2) reactions, and 4) define the dependence or otherwise of kinetic constants on diffusion and deduce the catalytic efficiency.

Results and Discussion: The ultimate quantitative results were ~ 64.69 ± 0.49 exp (+3)/ min (k2) (and kd (s) = ~ 60.66 exp (+3)/ min), ~ 1594.48 ± 11.99 exp (+3) exp (+3) L/mol.min (k1) (and ka (s) = ~1482.47 exp (+3) L/mol.min), ~ 58.00 ± 10.83 exp (+3) /min, the apparent rate constant for reverse reaction (kb), and ~ 75.83 ± 10.83 exp (+3) /min, the rate constant for product formation (k3). The catalytic efficiency was: 3.025 exp (+ 9) L / mol.

Conclusion: The relevant equations were derived. Based on the derived equations the intrinsic rate constants can be calculated. Since k3 is > kb, then k3 is diffusion controlled and it appears that the enzyme has reached kinetic perfection. The evaluation of rate constants either from the perspective of diffusion dependency or independency cannot be valid without Avogadro number.