A SIMPLE COMPUTER-PROGRAM WITH STATISTICAL TESTS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ENZYME-KINETICS

A simple computer program that calculates the kinetic parameters of enzyme reactions is described. Parameters are determined by nonlinear, least-squares regression using either Marquardt-Levenberg or Gauss-Newton algorithms to find the minimum sum of squares. Three types of enzyme reactions can be analyzed: single substrate reactions (Michaelis-Menten and sigmoidal kinetics), enzyme activation at a fixed substrate value or enzyme inhibition at a fixed substrate value. The user can monitor goodness of fit through nonparametric statistical tests (performed automatically by the computer) and through visual examination of the pattern of residuals. The program is unique in providing equations for activator and inhibition analysis as well as in enabling the user to fix some of the parameters before regression analysis. The simplicity of the program makes it extremely useful for quickly determining kinetic parameters during the data-gathering process.