A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In biological systems, enzymes act as catalysts to facilitate metabolic reactions.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Catalysts lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed.
Enzymes are biological catalysts that are highly specific for their substrates.
Catalysts do not alter the equilibrium of the reaction; they only speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
Enzyme activity can be affected by factors such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration.
Inhibitors can decrease enzyme activity by binding to the active site or allosteric sites on the enzyme.