What is the importance of measuring an enzymatic reaction by two analytical methods ?

Question

This question goes to an analytical chemsit or biochemist or to an enzymologist. As it is mentioned above, what is the use of measuring enzymatic reaction by two analytical methods, like measuring by polarograph and spectrophotometer ?

Answer 1

It is to check the consistency of your results. If you use one method there is always the possibility you are measuring an artifact.

You may also get different information out of different techniques. For example you may measure the enzyme reaction indirectly in a spectrophotometer by looking at the reaction of the product with a calormetric dye. However you may be able to look at the product directly by using a different method e.g mass spec thus confirming the enzyme activity.

Answer 2

How do you know you got the first reading right? it's the same reason you measure the reaction more than once. if you use 2 different methods you get a better picture of the reaction occuring.