Solution (source code)

= Solution

A detectable <burst kinetics> phase requires rapid formation and detection of an initial <reaction product>, followed by a slower step that regenerates competent <enzyme>. A common <hydrolysis> mechanism is
$$
E+S\rightleftharpoons ES\xrightarrow{k_2}E^*+P_1\xrightarrow{k_3}E+P_2,
$$
where $E^*$ can be a covalent <acyl-enzyme intermediate>. With excess <substrate>, rapid binding and $k_2\gg k_3$, the first turnover rapidly releases $P_1$ and traps much of the <enzyme> as $E^*$. Subsequent turnovers wait for the slow regeneration step. \b[The measured product must report the fast step:] monitoring only $P_2$ need not reveal a burst. Fast mixing and sufficient time resolution are needed, while spontaneous <substrate> <hydrolysis>, depletion and <enzyme> inactivation must be excluded.

For an illustrative saturated two-step cycle, initially unmodified <enzyme> concentration $E_T$ gives
$$
[P_1](t)=\frac{E_Tk_2k_3}{k_2+k_3}t+E_T\left(\frac{k_2}{k_2+k_3}\right)^2\left(1-e^{-(k_2+k_3)t}\right).
$$
The second term approaches a burst amplitude near $E_T$ when $k_2\gg k_3$, followed by the slower steady-state slope. A covalent intermediate is a useful example, not a logical requirement for every possible burst mechanism.