Introduction
Chemical reactions occur every day and everywhere, from the simplest reactions that happen in our body to the more complex ones that take place in industries. Catalyst and enzyme are two terms that are often used in chemical reactions. Although they sound similar, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we will discuss the difference between catalyst and enzyme.
What is a Catalyst?
A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed or changed in the reaction. Catalysts can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. They work by lowering the activation energy needed for the reactants to form products. A catalyst only affects the rate of a reaction and not the equilibrium constant.
Examples of Catalysts:
There are many examples of catalysts, such as enzymes, metals like platinum, and acid-base catalysts like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.
What is an Enzyme?
An enzyme is a type of catalyst that is produced by living organisms. Enzymes are proteins that speed up biological reactions by lowering the activation energy needed for the reactants to form products. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that they only catalyze a particular reaction. They are also sensitive to pH and temperature.
Examples of Enzymes:
There are many examples of enzymes, such as lactase, which breaks down lactose in milk, and amylase, which breaks down starch in food.
The Main Differences Between Catalyst and Enzyme
The main differences between catalyst and enzyme are:
1. Origin: Catalyst can be either organic or inorganic, while enzymes are only organic.
2. Specificity: Catalysts are not specific to a particular reaction, while enzymes are highly specific.
3. Sensitivity: Catalysts are not sensitive to pH and temperature, while enzymes are highly sensitive.
4. Function: Catalysts are used in industries to speed up chemical reactions, while enzymes are used in biological processes to speed up reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, catalyst and enzyme are two terms that are often used in chemical reactions. Although they sound similar, there are significant differences between the two. Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions, while enzymes are a type of catalyst that is produced by living organisms to speed up biological reactions. Understanding the difference between catalyst and enzyme is essential in many fields, including industry and medicine.