Catalytic

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Catalytic

Catalytic (pronounced: /kəˈtalɪtɪk/) is a term used in the field of Chemistry and Biochemistry to describe the action of a Catalyst in speeding up a chemical reaction. The term is derived from the Greek words 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'lyein' meaning 'to loosen'.

Definition

A catalytic reaction is one that involves a catalyst, a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the amount of energy required to initiate the reaction, without itself being consumed or undergoing any permanent chemical change.

Related Terms

  • Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by reducing the energy required to initiate the reaction, without itself being consumed or undergoing any permanent chemical change.
  • Catalysis: The process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a catalyst.
  • Enzyme: A type of protein that acts as a catalyst in living organisms, speeding up chemical reactions that take place in cells.
  • Substrate: The substance on which an enzyme or catalyst acts.
  • Reaction Rate: The speed at which a chemical reaction proceeds.
  • Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, the term catalytic is often used in relation to enzymes, which are biological catalysts. Enzymes play a crucial role in the body, speeding up chemical reactions that are necessary for life. For example, enzymes in the digestive system break down food into smaller molecules that the body can use.

See Also

External links

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