The Lineweaver-Burk equation (below) is derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation, and provides a graphical way to determine Vmax and Km. The Vmax is derived from the intercept on the Y axis (equal to 1/ Vmax) and Km is derived from the intercept on the X axis (equal to -1/Km). Start with the default values and create a plot. See how the plot changes when Km is increased or decreased by a factor of 2. See how the plot changes when Vmax increases or decreases by a factor of 2. Manipulate the values for the different parameters until you are comfortable with how this equation works.
To graph the Lineweaver-Burk equation enter the parameters (i.e., Vmax, Km) and hit New Plot. Up to 5 plots can be displayed at one time. The Clear button will remove all plots. To see Vmax and Km for each plot hit the Legend button. The Redraw button will refresh the graph. This is useful when the function domain (i.e., [S]) has been changed. To see the value of each plot at a given point, move your cursor to the desired location then click and hold.
Original material from Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5a edición, de D. Nelson and M. Cox; 2009. ISBN: 0-7167-7108-X.
Dr. José Antonio Encinar. (IBMC-UMH)