Lineweaver-Burk Plot Calculator

Calculate reciprocal values of reaction velocity and substrate concentration to plot the Lineweaver-Burk equation, and determine Vmax, Km, slope, and intercepts.

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Calculation Parameters

Specify your stoichiometry inputs.

0.1 μmol/min100 μmol/min
0.1 mM50 mM
0.1 mM100 mM

Calculated Result

Reaction Velocity (v) 5.00 μmol/min
Reciprocal Velocity (1/v) 0.200 (min/μmol)
Reciprocal Substrate (1/[S]) 0.200 mM⁻¹
Slope (Km / Vmax) 0.500
Y-intercept (1/Vmax) 0.100
X-intercept (-1/Km) -0.200
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Expert Tip

The Lineweaver-Burk plot linearizes the Michaelis-Menten equation, making it easier to determine Km and Vmax from experimental data.

How this Calculator Works

This calculator computes reciprocal kinetics values used in plotting Lineweaver-Burk graphs. Adjust parameters below:

  • Maximum Velocity (Vmax): The maximum rate of reaction at saturating substrate levels (Default: 10 μmol/min)
  • Michaelis Constant (Km): Substrate concentration at which reaction rate is half Vmax (Default: 5 mM)
  • Substrate Concentration ([S]): The amount of substrate present in the mixture (Default: 5 mM)

The results are computed instantly and updated in the results panel on the right.

Formula & Methodology

1/v = (Km / Vmax) * (1/[S]) + 1/Vmax

Where:

  • v: Reaction velocity.
  • [S]: Substrate concentration.
  • Km: Michaelis constant.
  • Vmax: Maximum velocity.

Step-by-Step Calculation Example

To compute the Lineweaver-Burk coordinates manually using the default inputs, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the input parameters. For example:
    • Vmax = 10 μmol/min, Km = 5 mM, [S] = 5 mM
  2. Apply the formula:
    1. Calculate v = (10 * 5) / (5 + 5) = 50 / 10 = 5.0 μmol/min 2. Reciprocal velocity 1/v = 1 / 5.0 = 0.20 min/μmol 3. Reciprocal substrate 1/[S] = 1 / 5 = 0.20 mM⁻¹ 4. Y-intercept = 1/Vmax = 1 / 10 = 0.10 5. X-intercept = -1/Km = -1 / 5 = -0.20 6. Slope = Km/Vmax = 5 / 10 = 0.50
  3. Verify the calculated value which is updated instantly in the results panel on the right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lineweaver-Burk plot?

A Lineweaver-Burk plot is a double-reciprocal linear graph (1/v vs 1/[S]) derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation.

How do you find Vmax and Km from the plot intercepts?

y-intercept = 1 / Vmax; x-intercept = -1 / Km; slope = Km / Vmax.

How does competitive inhibition alter a Lineweaver-Burk plot?

Competitive inhibitors increase apparent Km (shifting x-intercept right) while leaving Vmax unchanged (y-intercept stays constant).

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