Definition
Biological catalysts are known as enzymes
- all living things use to increase Rate of chemical reactions.
Catalase → converts hydrogen peroxide to hydrogen and oxygen Many enzymes also use transition metals to facilitate catalysis.
- aid in energy production and detoxification of cells
Characteristics
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made of proteins
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Temperature sensitive
- operate best at body temp (35-40 degrees).
- below this temp → can be dormant of denatured
- reduced catalytic activity
- at high temp → denatured and unable to catalyse reactions
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pH sensitive
- mostly inactive above or below their optimum range.
- optimum pH range of enzymes varies greatly
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Specific catalytic action
- each catalyses a specific reaction
- active site of each enzyme is specific.