Why is Michaelis-Menten Kinetics Important in Toxicology?
Michaelis-Menten kinetics is vital in toxicology for several reasons:
Enzyme inhibition: Many toxins act as enzyme inhibitors. By understanding the kinetics, toxicologists can predict how different concentrations of a toxin will affect enzyme activity. Dose-response relationships: The model helps establish the relationship between the dose of a toxin and its metabolic clearance rate, crucial for assessing toxicity levels. Predicting metabolic pathways: By analyzing how toxins affect enzyme kinetics, researchers can infer which metabolic pathways might be disrupted, leading to potential toxicity.
