In Michaelis-Menten kinetics, it is assumed that the substrate concentration is much higher than the enzyme concentration. In which step of the derivation of the Michaelis-Menten rate law is this assumption used?
From the explanations given in different sources, I think this assumption is used in expressing the total enzyme concentration as the sum of free enzyme and enzyme-substrate complex. Is my understanding correct? What happens when the enzyme concentration is in the same range as that of substrate concentration?
Why is it important to make this assumption?
Could someone explain?
