In kinetic analysis, what does a lower Michaelis constant ($ ext{K}_ ext{m}$) indicate about an enzyme?
Answer
The enzyme binds its preferred substrate more tightly.
The Michaelis constant ($ ext{K}_ ext{m}$) correlates inversely with substrate affinity; therefore, a lower numerical value for $ ext{K}_ ext{m}$ signifies tighter, more effective binding between the enzyme and its intended substrate.
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