A kinetic model of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase

On the basis of published experimental data, we have reconstructed the catalytic cycle of Escherichia coli β-galactosidase, a key enzyme in transcription regulation of the lac operon. A kinetic model thus built takes into account the reactions of hydrolysis and isomerization as well as galactosylation in the catalytic site. Using the experimental data and numerical optimization algorithms, all parameters of the model have been determined. With the model, the specific features of β-galactosidase behavior are predicted in a wide range of conditions.