Homogeneous kinetics
Enzymatic catalysis

The Henri equation behind the Michaelis-Menten rate equation is based on the observation that the initial rate of a reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of the enzyme preparation, but increases non-linearly with substrate concentration, up to a maximum limiting rate. Henri's equation is based on the following assumptions:

• the enzyme is a catalyst;

• the enzyme and substrate react rapidly to form an enzyme-substrate complex;

• a single substrate and a single enzyme-substrate complex are involved, and the enzyme-substrate complex breaks down to give the free enzyme and the product directly;

• the...