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Measurement

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Standardly, the activity of an enzyme is measured by the rate of product formation per minute. Typically, this is measured at a time when the rate of reaction is linear - the amount of product is increasing by a constant amount per unit time. However, the reaction must be optimized according to:

  • substrate concentration
  • coenzyme concentration
  • buffer type
  • buffer concentration
  • pH
  • temperature

Individual laboratories have their own criteria and it is best to interpret values in the light of local normal ranges. Activity is expressed in International Units per litre (IU/l). This is the amount of enzyme which metabolises 1 micromole of substrate per minute.

The concentration of enzyme protein, as opposed to its activity, is occasionally measured.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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