Michaelis constant

The Michaelis constant (Km) is a key concept in enzyme science that indicates the substrate concentration at which an enzyme works at half its maximum rate. Think of it as a measure of how easily an enzyme binds to its substrate; a low Km means the enzyme binds tightly and efficiently even when substrate levels are low, while a high Km suggests it requires more substrate to work effectively. It helps scientists understand enzyme efficiency and how enzymes perform under different conditions, playing a crucial role in biochemistry and medicine.