An enzyme works as a catalyst because it has all those sites where the molecule can bind to. So it reduces the amount of energy needed. But how does a metal or other molecule have these sites, when its like a ball?
In: Chemistry
Phyllis must assemble a finished product by taking part A and joining it with part B. It’s very fiddly. The parts are hard to join up.
Michael comes along. He’s able to make the product by first disassembling A which makes it much easier to fit onto B. It’s much faster.
Michael is the catalyst.
We usually write the equation as just the uncatalysed version: A + B = C
But the catalyst actually puts in other steps.
A + Y = X
X + B = C
But we tend to ignore those middle steps because the result is what we’re interested in. (X would be a compound including the catalyst, which is then left over again when C is made).
Latest Answers