Biokinetics — Identify the INCORRECT statements about the historical basis of the Monod growth model and the Michaelis–Menten enzyme model.

Introduction:
This item tests historical and conceptual understanding of two cornerstone kinetics models: Michaelis–Menten (enzyme catalysis) and Monod (microbial growth). Knowing how each was developed helps avoid common misstatements in exams and reports.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Michaelis–Menten describes v vs [S] for enzymes.
• Monod describes mu vs [S] for microbial growth.
• The prompt asks for statements that are not correct.

Concept / Approach:
Michaelis–Menten was derived from a mechanistic scheme E + S ⇌ ES → E + P under quasi-steady-state or rapid-equilibrium assumptions, not from curve fitting, and not from microbial growth mechanisms. The Monod relation, while formally analogous to Michaelis–Menten, was introduced as an empirical fit to growth data rather than a first-principles mechanism of cellular physiology.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Evaluate (a): Claiming Michaelis–Menten is purely curve fitting is incorrect; it stems from a mechanistic reaction scheme and steady-state analysis.2) Evaluate (b): Michaelis–Menten is not a microbial growth model; it pertains to enzyme catalysis, so the statement is incorrect.3) Evaluate (c): Monod was proposed empirically to describe mu vs S; suggesting it was derived from detailed cellular mechanism is inaccurate, making (c) incorrect.4) Therefore, all three statements are incorrect, so “All of the above statements are incorrect” is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare the structural analogy: v = (Vmax * [S]) / (Km + [S]) and mu = (mu_max * S) / (Ks + S). Despite the shared hyperbolic form, their origins differ (mechanistic vs empirical), supporting the analysis above.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (e) is wrong because (a)–(c) are not correct statements.
• Any option asserting one of (a)–(c) is correct contradicts well-established historical context.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming formal analogy implies identical derivation; conflating enzyme kinetics with population growth; overlooking the empirical nature of Monod’s original work.

Final Answer:
All of the above statements are incorrect.