Difference Between Catalysts and Enzymes

Tap to Read ➤ Komal B. Patil

Catalysis is the acceleration of the rate of a chemical reaction due to the participation of an additional substance, which remains unchanged, called a catalyst. It may be inorganic (catalyst) or organic (enzyme).

Wilhelm Ostwald's work with acidic and basic catalytic reactions led to him receiving the Nobel prize in Chemistry.

The term catalyst is derived from the Greek word "καταλύειν", which means to untie, or pick up. Any reaction driven by the use of catalysts is called catalysis, a term coined by the Swedish chemist, Jöns Jacob Berzelius, in 1835.

The discovery of catalysts allowed scientists to examine and understand the nature of various chemical reactions. The first instance of such an element being present in biological reactions was described by Louis Pasteur during his experiments with wine production.

This biological element was later identified and termed as enzyme by the German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne in 1878. The term is derived from the Greek word enzumos, which means 'in leaven'.

Since enzyme is a subset of catalysts, they both share similarities. They are needed in trace amounts in a reaction. While they can accelerate the rate of a reaction by reducing the activation energy, they themselves cannot initiate a reaction. During the course of the respective reactions, both combine with the reactant to form a temporary complex.

Despite this, the inherent composition and the quantity of these molecules remains unchanged, and hence can be used again and again. Also, the reactions that they catalyze, are reversible in nature. Despite all these similarities they do show distinct differences as well.

Catalysts Vs. Enzymes

Nature

Catalysts ➤ Simple inorganic molecules Enzymes ➤ Complex proteins

Molecular weight

Catalysts ➤ Low Enzymes ➤ High

Reaction Type

Catalysts ➤ Chemical Enzymes ➤ Biological

Specificity

Catalysts ➤ Wide range Enzymes ➤ Highly specific

Efficiency

Catalysts ➤ Less efficient Enzymes ➤ More efficient

Regulation of Function

Catalysts ➤ Cannot be regulated Enzymes ➤ Can be regulated

Types

Catalysts ➤ Positive catalyst ➤ Negative catalyst Enzymes ➤ Activation enzyme ➤ Inhibitory enzyme

Conditions Required

Catalysts ➤ High temperature and pressure Enzymes ➤ Mild conditions of physiological pH and temperature

Example

Catalysts ➤ Platinum, copper Enzymes ➤ Amylase, lipase

Catalysts and enzymes have a wide range of applications, not only in the natural environment and laboratory settings, but also in industries. Catalysts are utilized in energy processing and in the production of chemicals. Enzymes are used in food processing, breweries, wine production, bio-fuel industry, antibiotic production, etc.