The catalytic cycle refers to the series of steps that a catalyst undergoes during a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a reaction without being consumed in the process. In this cycle, the catalyst first interacts with reactants to form an intermediate complex, which then transforms into products while regenerating the original catalyst. This cycle is crucial in various fields, including industrial chemistry and biochemistry. For example, enzymes, which are biological catalysts, facilitate reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required. Understanding the catalytic cycle helps scientists design more efficient catalysts for various applications, such as in chemical manufacturing and environmental protection.