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JordanA catalyst like platinum is a non-biological substance that speeds up chemical reactions by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy. Enzymes, on the other hand, are biological catalysts that are specific to certain reactions and are essential for biological processes. Enzymes are made up of proteins and can be regulated by the cells that produce them, while catalysts like platinum are typically inorganic and do not have this level of specificity or regulation.
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Why is an enzyme considered a catalyst?
An enzyme is considered a catalyst because it speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. By lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, enzymes facilitate the conversion of substrates into products more efficiently.
What does a catalyst look like?
A catalyst can come in various forms such as a solid, liquid, or gas. It can appear as a powder, granules, a metallic surface, or even a clear solution depending on the reaction it is catalyzing. The physical appearance of a catalyst can vary greatly depending on its composition and intended use.
What kind of chemical is carbohydrase is and what does it do?
Carbohydrase is an enzyme that belongs to the class of hydrolases. It functions to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars like glucose, maltose, and fructose.
What catalyst is common in automobile exhaust?
The common catalyst in automobile exhaust is a catalytic converter, which contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This device helps to convert harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor through a chemical reaction.
What are catalytic converters made of?
Catalytic converters are typically made of a ceramic or metallic catalyst support coated with a combination of metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals help to accelerate the chemical reactions that convert harmful emissions into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen.
