Feature |
Enzymes |
Nonbiological catalysts |
| Specificity |
Highly specific; binding to substrate may be less specific but the catalyzed reaction is highly specific |
Nonspecific |
Rate of reaction |
Enhanced by a factor of 103-106 |
Enhancement only a fraction of that by enzymes |
Regulation |
Enzymes are subject to a variety of regulations, which increase/ decrease reaction rate |
They are not subject to such regulations |
Saturation |
Enzymes have a maximum reaction rate with respect to substrate concentration |
Most catalysts do not show substrate staturation |
| Chemical nature |
Enzymes are proteins (RNA with enzymatic action is called ribozyme) |
Metal and nonmetal inorganic molecules |
| Temperature, pressure and pH |
Mild, biologically compatible |
Often high temperature and high pressure |
| Side reactions |
Do not occur |
Occur |
