Mitochondria are the centers for energy conversion in the body. Enzymes attached to the internal membranes oxidize sugars to produce energy. To get an idea about mitochondria performance, the system shown in Figure P5.32 was developed. The substrate diffuses through the liquid phase until it reaches the membrane surface at \(x=L\), where it reacts. The rate of reaction is governed by Michaelis-Menten kinetics:

\[-r_{s}(m o l e s / s)=\frac{k_{s}^{\prime \prime} c_{s}}{1+K_{m} c_{s}}\]

a. Develop an expression for the concentration profile, mass flux through the liquid, and mass transfer coefficient to the solid phase.

b. What happens when \(K_{m} c_{s}>1\) ?

Transcribed Image Text:

FIGURE P5.32 D Membrane Cso x=0 -r, = kcs/(1+Kmc,) x=L