Question

The ____________ is the ratio of the length that contains sufficient enzyme to convert all the substrate at the given flow rate if the enzyme acted at its maximum velocity throughout to that of the actual reactor length necessary for complete conversion.

(a) normalized time

(b) normalized reactor length

(c) specificity constant

(d) turnover number

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

Question is taken from Immobilized Enzymes in portion Immobilized Enzymes and their Uses of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) normalized reactor length

Easiest explanation: The normalized reactor length is relative to the length that contains sufficient enzyme to convert all the substrate at the given flow rate if the enzyme acted at its maximum velocity throughout and the actual reactor length necessary for complete conversion. It is given by \(l_n = \frac{lV_{max}}{F}\), where F is flow rate. Specificity constant is given by Kcat/Km. The normalized time is relative to the time that would be required to convert all the substrate if the enzyme acted at Vmax throughout, the actual time for complete conversion. Turnover number represents the maximum number of substrate molecules that the enzyme can ‘turn over’ to product in a set time.