AUTOMATIC TESTING OF ENZYME MODIFIERS BY THE FLOW-GRADIENT TECHNIQUE

The potential of the now-rate gradient technique for the automatic tes ting of enzyme modifiers is demonstrated by using the acetylthiocholin e/acetylcholinesterase system. Modifier concentration gradients are cr eated in the enzyme flow by establishing now-rate gradients via comput er control of the peristaltic pump used to propel the modifier solutio n stream. A single solution of each modifier and a single experiment i s sufficient to obtain information about the modifier effect and to qu antify the modifier/substrate ratio above which it is detected. 33 sub stances were tested and their effects on the enzyme system quantified by spectrophotometric detection. The procedure provides a rapid, simpl e means for studying modifiers affecting any enzyme system.