Chapter 21, Problem 23A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The efficiency of an enzyme needs to be compared with inorganic catalyst. Whether enzymes are more or less efficient must also be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Efficiency of a catalyst describes how many reactant molecules are converted to product by a single catalyst molecule.

Answer to Problem 23A

An enzyme can be 1000000 times more efficient as compared to an inorganic catalyst.

An enzyme is more efficient than an inorganic catalyst.

Explanation of Solution

The architecture of an enzyme is nicely designed by nature in which the active site is properly manifested to accept the substrate. Different side chain of proteins, metal ions and ligands as a whole maintains the efficiency and selectivity of an enzyme. Thus a single enzyme molecule can convert millions of reactant molecules to product molecules before the enzyme lost its activity unlike inorganic catalyst.