Resumen de Use of a Spreadsheet To Simulate Enzyme Kinetics
A spreadsheet with graphics capabilities is used to model enzyme kinetics and to explain how computer simulation of a reaction mechanism is accomplished by the Gauss-Cauchey method. The exercises described help illuminate the link between chemical phenomena and their mathematical description. I use these exercises in an advanced undergraduate biochemistry course. They can be done in two or three 4-hour computer laboratory sessions. The first session introduces students to spreadsheets using a simple first order reaction, the decay of 14C. Enzyme kinetics are developed in the remaining sessions using the mythical enzyme Midase. The spread sheets can be modified to illustrate more complex schemes such as inhibition or initial burst kinetics.
