Biological Catalyst
A biological catalyst, commonly known as an enzyme, is a substance that accelerates chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. Enzymes are typically proteins that lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to occur more efficiently and at lower temperatures. They are essential for various biological processes, including digestion and metabolism.
Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each type of enzyme only catalyzes a particular reaction or type of reaction. This specificity is determined by the enzyme's unique structure, which allows it to bind to specific substrates. The interaction between an enzyme and its substrate forms an enzyme-substrate complex, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.