Enzyme Inhibition Calculator

Model enzyme rates with inhibitor effects in seconds. Compare competitive, uncompetitive, mixed, and noncompetitive cases. Export results, verify units, and learn kinetics easily today.

Inputs

Provide kinetic parameters and inhibitor settings. Use consistent concentration units for Km, [S], [I], Ki, and Ki′.
White theme

Mixed uses both Ki and Ki′ when provided.
Maximum rate without inhibition.
Michaelis constant (same units as concentrations).
Used for the single-point result.
Set 0 for baseline comparison.
Used in competitive, mixed, and pure noncompetitive.
Used in uncompetitive, mixed, and pure noncompetitive.
Only affects labels, not math.
Keep Km and concentrations consistent.
Series table settings
Both modes keep [I] fixed.
Limit: up to 250 rows.
Used only when series mode is Points.
Tip: If [I] = 0, then α = α′ = 1 and the model reduces to baseline kinetics.

Formula used

This calculator uses Michaelis–Menten kinetics with common inhibition models. It treats inhibitor effects through α and α′.

Baseline (no inhibitor)
v = (Vmax · [S]) / (Km + [S])
General mixed inhibition
α = 1 + [I]/Ki
α′ = 1 + [I]/Ki′
v = (Vmax · [S]) / (α·Km + α′·[S])
Competitive
α′ = 1
Vmax(app) = Vmax
Km(app) = α · Km
Inhibitor competes with substrate for the active site.
Uncompetitive
α = 1
Vmax(app) = Vmax/α′
Km(app) = Km/α′
Inhibitor binds only to the ES complex.
Noncompetitive (pure)
α = α′
Vmax(app) = Vmax/α
Km(app) = Km
Inhibitor reduces catalytic rate without changing affinity.
Mixed
Vmax(app) = Vmax/α′
Km(app) = (α/α′) · Km
Inhibitor impacts both binding and turnover.
Note: Ensure consistent concentration units across Km, [S], [I], Ki, and Ki′ to avoid scaling errors.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose an inhibition model that matches your experiment.
  2. Enter Vmax and Km from your baseline fit.
  3. Provide substrate [S] and inhibitor [I] concentrations.
  4. Enter Ki and/or Ki′ if required by the model.
  5. Adjust series settings to generate a table across substrate values.
  6. Press Calculate; results appear below the header.
  7. Use Download CSV or Download PDF for exports.

Example data table

Sample values illustrate how velocity drops under inhibition. Units are arbitrary and should be treated as placeholders.

Model Vmax Km [S] [I] Ki Ki′ v
Baseline1201510048
Competitive12015105834.91
Uncompetitive120151052043.64
Noncompetitive120151058829.54
Mixed1201510582032.54
These example velocities were computed from the same equations used by the calculator.

Professional overview

1) What this calculator quantifies

This tool estimates the initial reaction velocity (v) for an enzyme-catalyzed process in the presence of an inhibitor. It uses the standard Michaelis–Menten framework and expresses inhibition through the scaling factors α and α′, which depend on inhibitor level and inhibition constants. The output includes v, plus apparent parameters that help compare conditions.

2) Data from the built-in example

The example inputs are Vmax = 120, Km = 15, [S] = 10, and [I] = 5 (concentration units are user-defined). Baseline velocity is 48. With Ki = 8 (competitive), α = 1 + 5/8 = 1.625 and the velocity drops to about 34.91.

3) How inhibition type changes the curve

Competitive inhibition increases the apparent Km while keeping Vmax unchanged, shifting the curve rightward. Uncompetitive inhibition reduces both Km and Vmax by the same factor. Pure noncompetitive inhibition reduces Vmax without changing Km. Mixed inhibition can change both, producing intermediate behavior.

4) Apparent parameters you can report

The calculator provides Vmax(app) and Km(app) so you can summarize inhibition compactly. In the example, competitive inhibition yields Km(app) = α·Km = 24.38 (approx.), while keeping Vmax(app) = 120. For mixed inhibition with Ki′ = 20, Vmax(app) = Vmax/α′ = 96 and Km(app) ≈ 19.50.

5) Why series tables matter

A single-point velocity is useful, but experimental interpretation often needs a full substrate-response profile. The series table computes velocity over a user-selected [S] range while holding [I] fixed. This lets you compare shifts in curvature, estimate practical working ranges, and prepare plots in external software using the CSV export.

6) Unit consistency and scaling

The mathematics is unit-agnostic, but values must share consistent concentration units. If Km is entered in mM, then [S], [I], Ki, and Ki′ should also be in mM. Rate units are labels only; scaling errors typically come from mixed concentration units, not from the display selectors.

7) Practical quality checks

Validate that Vmax and Km are positive and that concentrations are non-negative. If inhibitor is present but an inhibition constant is missing, the model may underrepresent inhibition. Compare baseline versus inhibited outputs at the same [S] to confirm the expected direction of change.

8) Export-ready reporting

Use the on-page PDF for quick documentation and the CSV for detailed analysis. CSV includes inputs, single-point results, and the full series table (up to 250 rows), which supports reproducible reporting. For publications, consider fitting multiple inhibitor levels and comparing how Km(app) and Vmax(app) vary with [I].


FAQs

1) What do Ki and Ki′ represent?

Ki describes inhibitor affinity for free enzyme. Ki′ describes inhibitor affinity for the enzyme–substrate complex. Smaller values indicate stronger binding. Use consistent concentration units across all inputs.

2) Why does competitive inhibition change Km but not Vmax?

Competitive inhibitors reduce effective substrate binding by raising the apparent Km. At very high substrate, the inhibitor can be outcompeted, so the maximum achievable rate remains close to Vmax.

3) When should I choose mixed inhibition?

Select mixed inhibition when the inhibitor affects both free enzyme and the ES complex, so both Ki and Ki′ are relevant. If one pathway dominates, mixed naturally approximates competitive or uncompetitive behavior.

4) What does α equal when [I] is zero?

When [I] = 0, α = α′ = 1. The equation reduces to baseline Michaelis–Menten kinetics, and apparent parameters match the original Vmax and Km.

5) Why might I see NaN or unexpected results?

NaN typically occurs if inputs are non-numeric or if parameters create an invalid denominator. Confirm positive Vmax and Km, non-negative concentrations, and that required inhibition constants are provided when inhibitor is present.

6) Does changing the unit selectors affect calculations?

No. Unit selectors only change displayed labels. Calculations use the numeric values you enter. Correctness depends on you keeping Km, [S], [I], Ki, and Ki′ in the same concentration units.

7) What is the best export format for analysis?

Use CSV for plotting, regression, and archiving the full series table. Use the PDF for quick sharing or attaching a summary to lab notes or reports.

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