Question

Give one difference between inorganic catalysts and enzymes.

Answer 1

1. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without causing any permanent chemical change.
2. An enzyme is a biological molecule produced by living organisms, which catalyzes a specific biochemical reaction at body temperature.

Inorganic Catalyst	Enzymes
Inorganic catalysts are small inorganic molecules, usually metal ions.	Enzymes are specialized protein molecules with complex 3-dimensional structures.
2. Inorganic catalysts can catalyze a wide range of reactions.	2. Enzymes can catalyze only specific reactions.
3. They are inorganic in nature.	3. Enzymes are proteinaceous in nature.
4. They are less efficient.	4. They are highly efficient.
5. Inorganic catalysts typically operate at high temperatures and pressures.	5. They perform their activity at normal temperature and pressure.