Question

A low \(K_m\) value of an enzyme indicates

• A. Low affinity for substrate
• B. High affinity for substrate
• C. No enzyme--substrate complex formation
• D. Enzyme inhibition

Hint:

Relationship between \(K_m\) and substrate affinity: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Low }K_m &\rightarrow \text{High affinity} \text{High }K_m &\rightarrow \text{Low affinity} \end{aligned} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the meaning of \(K_m\). The Michaelis constant (\(K_m\)) is the substrate concentration at which the reaction velocity is half of its maximum value (\(V_{\max}\)).

Step 2: Interpret a low \(K_m\). A lower \(K_m\) means the enzyme reaches half-maximal velocity at a lower substrate concentration. This indicates \[ \boxed{\text{High affinity between enzyme and substrate}.} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{(B)} \] is the correct answer.