Diagnostic Enzymology (Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning)

Disease, infection and other illnesses frequently result in alterations of the normally low levels of cellular enzymes in the blood and extracellular fluids. By careful analysis of enzyme activity, it is possible to diagnose the presence, extent and location of disease. However, the measurement of enzyme activity represents an analytical challenge. Many of the methods used are complex and require careful application to yield reproducible and applicable results. After providing an introduction to those general physical and chemical properties of enzymes which are relevant to their quantitative measurement, the key aspects of determining enzyme activities are explored. The problems and merits of various techniques are indicated and important methods for end product measurement described.