Enzyme Kinetics

Change in Free Energy


The change in free energy, or deltaG, is the difference in the free energy in going from the initial state (substrate) to the final product. If you go back and look at the graphs, the change in free energy is the distance between the red line (the initial free enregy) and the blue line (final free energy).

Note that, with or without the enzyme the initial and final energy levels are the same and deltaG is the same, i.e. the thermodynamics of the reaction are unchanged.

The enzyme has increased the rate by taking the reaction through a new path and thereby lowering the activation energy (delta G1). Since delta G1 is lower, more of the substrate (A) will reach the transition state (B*), i.e. the transition state is stabilized. This in turn leads to the formation of more product (C).


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