The equation for mixed inhibition is similar to the Michaelis-Menten equation except for the introduction of both new terms α and α'. The term α is greater than 1.0 when a competitive inhibitor is present. Start with the default values and create a plot by clicking on New Plot. See how the plot changes when α or α' is increased by a factor of 2 or a factor of 4. Manipulate the values for the different parameters until you are comfortable with how this equation works, and how α and α' affect the plot.
Student hints: The mixed inhibition equation encompasses all possibilities. Note that if α = 1, the inhibitor behaves like an uncompetitive inhibitor. If α' = 1, then the inhibitor behaves as a competitive inhibitor.
Up to 5 plots can be displayed at one time. The Clear button will remove all plots. To see the parameter values 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)