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:
