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Catalysis definitions

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  • Enzyme
    Biological molecule that accelerates reactions by lowering activation energy through multiple mechanisms.
  • Activation Energy
    Energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed; reduced by enzyme action.
  • Transition State
    High-energy, unstable configuration during a reaction, stabilized by enzyme mechanisms.
  • Substrate
    Molecule upon which an enzyme acts, often brought closer and oriented for efficient reaction.
  • Hydration Shell
    Layer of water molecules surrounding a substrate, potentially interfering with reaction progress.
  • Acid-Base Catalysis
    Mechanism where proton transfers facilitate reaction, stabilizing charged intermediates.
  • Electrostatic Catalysis
    Enzyme mechanism involving stabilization of charged intermediates through electrostatic interactions.
  • Metal Ion Catalysis
    Catalytic process where metal ions assist in substrate binding or charge stabilization.
  • Covalent Catalysis
    Mechanism where enzyme forms temporary covalent bonds with substrate to facilitate reaction.
  • Charged Intermediate
    Unstable molecule formed during a reaction, often stabilized by proton transfer or enzyme action.
  • Specific Acid-Base Catalysis
    Type of catalysis where only the solvent, typically water, acts as the proton transfer source.
  • General Acid-Base Catalysis
    Catalysis involving any acid or base, with the enzyme's active site mediating proton transfer.
  • Active Site
    Region of an enzyme where substrate binding and catalysis occur, often mediating proton transfers.
  • Hydronium Ion
    Protonated water molecule (H3O+), often serving as a proton donor in specific acid-base catalysis.
  • Free Energy Diagram
    Graphical representation showing energy changes during a reaction, highlighting activation energy and intermediates.