Applying the Michaelis-Menten Equation III A research group discovers a new
version of happyase, which they call happyase *, that catalyzes the chemical
reaction
HAPPY \(\rightleftharpoons\) SAD. The researchers begin to characterize the
enzyme.
a. In the first experiment, with \(\left[E_{t}\right]\) at \(4 \mathrm{~nm}\),
they find that the \(V_{\max }\) is \(1.6 \mu \mathrm{M} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\). Based
on this experiment, what is the \(k_{\text {cat }}\) for happyase*? (Include
appropriate units.)
b. In the second experiment, with \(\left[E_{t}\right]\) at \(1 \mathrm{~nm}\) and
[HAPPY] at \(30 \mu \mathrm{M}\), the researchers find that \(V_{0}=300
\mathrm{nM} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\). What is the measured \(K_{\mathrm{m}}\) of
happyase* for its substrate HAPPY? (Include appropriate units.)
c. Further research shows that the purified happyase * used in the first two
experiments was actually contaminated with a reversible inhibitor called
ANGER. When ANGER is carefully removed from the happyase * preparation and the
two experiments are repeated, the measured \(V_{\max }\) in (a) is increased to
\(4.8 \mu \mathrm{M} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\), and the measured \(K_{\mathrm{m}}\) in (b)
is now \(15 \mu_{\mathrm{M}}\). Calculate the values of \(a\) and
\(\alpha^{\prime}\) for ANGER.
d. Based on the information given, what type of inhibitor is ANGER?