Catalyst

Definition

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed or altered in the process. In anatomy and physiology, enzymes serve as biological catalysts facilitating vital biochemical reactions within the body.

Related terms

Enzyme: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions inside cells.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction; catalysts work by lowering this energy threshold.

Substrate: The reactant upon which an enzyme acts, forming products through facilitated biochemical reactions