Michaelis and Menten really changed the way we think about enzymes and how they help chemical reactions happen in our bodies. Their work in the early 1900s is the basis for something called Michaelis-Menten kinetics. This is super important in medical biochemistry. Here are some main ideas:

1. The Equation: They came up with a formula that shows how fast enzyme-driven reactions happen. The formula looks like this:
   $v = \frac{V_{max} [S]}{K_m + [S]}$.
   This helps us see how enzymes work with their partners, called substrates, when there are different amounts present.

2. Key Terms:

   • $V_{max}$: This is the fastest speed at which a reaction can happen when there’s enough substrate for the enzyme.
   • $K_m$: This is called the Michaelis constant. It tells us the substrate amount needed for the reaction speed to reach half of its maximum. This helps us understand how well the enzyme likes to work with its substrate.

3. Why It Matters: This model not only helps us understand how enzymes function, but it also guides drug development and how we treat diseases. By knowing how enzymes behave, we can design better treatments that target specific processes in our bodies.

Overall, what Michaelis and Menten did has made it easier to connect the science of biochemistry with real-life applications in medicine.