The chemical nature of the important new chromogen ABTS [2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] is described together with an account of the redox and spectroscopic properties of the system ABTS--H2O2--peroxidase. Keq. is calculated and a study of the steady-state kinetics over a whole range of substrate concentrations is reported. By using novel methods of kinetic analysis, an interpretation of the results is given which requires some extension of the classical peroxidase mechanism.

A peroxidase has been isolated from pooled specimens of human cervical mucus. Investigation of substrate and inhibitor specificity, pH optimum, chromatography on Sephadex G‐200, disc electrophoresis, ultraviolet absorption spectrum and the effects of temperature and ionie strength variation are described. A study of the steady‐state kinetics is reported using hydrogen peroxide and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) as substrates and a catalytic mechanism is proposed

1. The theory of plane curves was applied to the graphical methods used in enzyme kinetics and a mathematical analysis of the possible graph shapes is given. 2. The belief that allosterism can be inferred from steady-state data alone is subjected to criticism and the mathematical significance of sigmoid curves and non-linear double-reciprocal plots is explored. 3. It is suggested that the usual methods of interpreting steady-state kinetic data are often based on over-restrictive assumptions which prevent maximum utilization of the available data. 4. Methods for obtaining the degree of the rate equation from graph shapes obtained directly from initial-rate measurements and from replots of asymptotic behaviour as chi approach the level 0 and chi approach the level infinity are discussed. 5. Detailed proofs of the theorems given in the text have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50049 (10 pages) at the British Library (Lending Division), Boston Spa, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1975), 145, 5.

A schematic method for the derivation of steady-state enzyme rate equations by using the Wang algebra is described. The method is simple, easy to learn and offers a substantial decrease in analytical effort over previously published algorithms. Being essentially an algebraic procedure the method can be readily computerized. Computer programs in BASIC and ALGOL languages have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50065 (19 pages) at the British Library (Lending Division), Boston Spa, Wetherby, W. Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1976). 153, 5.