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Biocatalyst: meaning, definitions and examples

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biocatalyst

[ ˌbī-ō-ˈka-tə-list ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chemistry

A biocatalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, without being consumed in the process. Biocatalysts are typically enzymes found in living organisms.

Synonyms

biochemical accelerator, catalyst, enzyme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
biocatalyst	Used specifically in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology, referring to substances of biological origin that accelerate chemical reactions. Often used in academic or technical writings. Researchers are developing new biocatalysts to improve the efficiency of industrial processes
enzyme	A type of protein that acts as a natural biocatalyst in living organisms. This term is widely used in both scientific research as well as in general contexts to discuss biological processes. Enzymes play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down food into absorbable molecules
catalyst	A general term referring to anything that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed. This word can be used in both scientific contexts and metaphorically in everyday language. The platinum catalyst helped convert the raw material into the desired product Her speech was a catalyst for change within the organization
biochemical accelerator	Similar to 'biocatalyst' but more general, and can be used to emphasize the function of speeding up biochemical reactions. It might be seen in educational materials or broader scientific discussions. The introduction of a biochemical accelerator in the reaction mixture enhanced product yield

Examples of usage

Biocatalysts are widely used in industrial processes for the production of pharmaceuticals.
Enzymes are a common type of biocatalyst used in various biochemical reactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "biocatalyst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 biocatalisador

🇮🇳 जैव उत्प्रेरक

🇩🇪 Biokatalysator

🇮🇩 biokatalisator

🇺🇦 біокаталізатор

🇵🇱 biokatalizator

🇯🇵 バイオ触媒

🇫🇷 biocatalyseur

🇪🇸 biocatalizador

🇹🇷 biyokatalizör

🇰🇷 생촉매

🇸🇦 محفز حيوي

🇨🇿 biokatalyzátor

🇸🇰 biokatalyzátor

🇨🇳 生物催化剂

🇸🇮 biokatalizator

🇮🇸 lífhvötvi

🇰🇿 биокатализатор

🇬🇪 ბიოკატალიზატორი

🇦🇿 biokatalizator

🇲🇽 biocatalizador

Etymology

The term 'biocatalyst' originated from the combination of 'bio-' (related to living organisms) and 'catalyst' (a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction). The concept of biocatalysis has been around for centuries, with the use of enzymes from living organisms to catalyze reactions. In modern times, biocatalysts play a crucial role in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, and environmental sustainability.