Question

Describe the profile you would expect for a biological catalyst. Complete the sentences to explain why an enzyme is different than an inorganic catalyst. Match the words to the appropriate blanks in the sentences.
Multiple
Organic
slower
a single
high
faster
inroganic
low
about the same

When looking at the plot G versus reaction coordinate, the profile for a biological catalyst (e.g. an enzyme) will have __________ transition state(s), with an overall activation energy that is __________ in comparison to the uncatalyzed reaction.

Enzymes have a __________ molecular weight and are __________ compounds, while inorganic catalysts often have a __________ molecular weight and are __________ compounds.

When comparing rates, enzymes are typically several times __________ than inorganic catalysts.

Answer 1

Answer:

- When looking at the plot G versus reaction coordinate, the profile for a biological catalyst (e.g. an enzyme) will have about the same transition state(s), with an overall activation energy that is low in comparison to the uncatalyzed reaction.

- Enzymes have a high molecular weight and are organic compounds, while inorganic catalysts often have a low molecular weight and are inorganic compounds.

- When comparing rates, enzymes are typically several times faster than inorganic catalysts.

Explanation:

Enzymes are organic molecules capable of producing a faster chemical reaction. In an enzymatic reaction the transition state -corresponding to the state in which the substrates or products are equally likely- tends to be the same, while the energy required for the reaction decreases.

The differences between an enzyme and an inorganic catalyst are structural and functional:

• Enzymes are organic and of high molecular weight and catalysts are inorganic and of low molecular weight.
• An enzyme can change its structure during a reaction, while the configuration of a catalyst is the same.
• The reaction catalyzed by an enzyme is about 10⁶ to 10¹² times faster than with a catalyst.