Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions

Introduction to Catalysis

Organic Chemistry

31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions

Introduction to Catalysis

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Organic Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Why does an enzyme usually only catalyze a specific chemical reaction?

Enzymes have a specific active site that binds only to certain substrates.

Enzymes are non-specific and can catalyze any reaction.

Enzymes work by increasing the temperature of the reaction.

Enzymes can change their structure to fit any substrate.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are crucial for facilitating various biochemical reactions in living organisms.

Explore enzyme specificity: Enzymes are highly specific due to their unique active sites. The active site is a region on the enzyme where the substrate molecules bind. This specificity is often compared to a 'lock and key' model, where only specific substrates (keys) fit into the enzyme's active site (lock).

Examine the structure-function relationship: The specificity of an enzyme is determined by the precise arrangement of amino acids in its active site, which creates a unique three-dimensional shape. This shape is complementary to the shape of the substrate, allowing for specific binding.

Consider the role of enzyme-substrate complex: When the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site, an enzyme-substrate complex is formed. This complex stabilizes the transition state and lowers the activation energy required for the reaction, thus increasing the reaction rate.

Clarify misconceptions: Enzymes do not change their structure to fit any substrate, nor do they work by increasing the temperature of the reaction. Their specificity is inherent to their structure, and they function optimally at specific temperatures and pH levels.