Autocatalysis is a term that is widely used in chemistry, biology, and other scientific fields. It refers to a process in which a substance catalyzes its own production or reaction. Autocatalysis is an essential process for many chemical reactions and biological processes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of autocatalyses, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Autocatalysis is defined as a chemical reaction in which the product of the reaction acts as a catalyst for the same reaction. In other words, the reaction is self-catalyzed. Autocatalysis is a positive feedback mechanism that leads to an increase in the rate of the reaction.
Origin
The term autocatalysis was first used by the French chemist, Paul Sabatier, in 1895. He used the term to describe a reaction in which hydrogen gas catalyzed its own production from ethylene. Since then, the term has been widely used in chemistry and biology to describe self-catalyzed reactions.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Autocatalysis is defined in different dictionaries as a chemical reaction in which the product of the reaction acts as a catalyst for the same reaction. The Oxford English Dictionary defines autocatalysis as “a process in which a substance catalyzes its own production or reaction.”
Associations
Autocatalysis is associated with many chemical reactions and biological processes. In chemistry, it is used to describe the reaction of hydrogen gas with ethylene to produce more hydrogen gas. In biology, autocatalysis is used to describe the self-replication of DNA and the self-catalyzed reactions of enzymes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of autocatalysis include self-catalysis, self-catalyzed reaction, and self-propagating reaction.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for autocatalysis.
The same root words
The root word of autocatalysis is “catalysis,” which refers to the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst.
Example Sentences
- The self-catalyzed reaction of hydrogen gas with ethylene is an example of autocatalysis.
- The self-replication of DNA is a process of autocatalysis.
- The enzyme-catalyzed reaction is an example of autocatalysis.