Which equation correctly represents the Lineweaver-Burk plot for enzyme kinetics?

• A. 1/v = (Km/Vmax)(1/[S]) + 1/Vmax
• B. v = (Vmax × [S]) / (Km + [S])
• C. v = (Km/[S]) + Vmax
• D. 1/v = (Vmax/Km)(1/[S]) + 1/Vmax

Answer: (A)

The Lineweaver-Burk plot converts the Michaelis-Menten equation into a straight line by plotting 1/v against 1/[S]. Starting from v = Vmax[S]/(Km + [S]) and taking reciprocals gives 1/v = (Km/Vmax)(1/[S]) + 1/Vmax. This matches the y = mx + b form, with slope Km/Vmax and y-intercept 1/Vmax (and x-intercept -1/Km). This form is why the equation with 1/v = (Km/Vmax)(1/[S]) + 1/Vmax is correct for the plot. The other expressions either stay in the nonlinear Michaelis-Menten form or mix terms incorrectly, yielding the wrong slope or intercept.