autokatalüüsiga

Autokatalüüsiga is a phenomenon where a reaction product itself acts as a catalyst for the same reaction. This means that as the reaction proceeds and more product is formed, the rate of the reaction increases because the product is accelerating its own creation. This is a positive feedback mechanism.

Autokatalytic reactions are characterized by a distinct sigmoidal or S-shaped curve when reaction rate is plotted against time or reactant concentration. Initially, the reaction rate is slow because the concentration of the catalytic product is low. As the reaction progresses, the concentration of the product increases, leading to a rapid acceleration of the reaction rate. Eventually, the reaction rate slows down again as the reactants become depleted.

This type of reaction is observed in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and even economics. In chemistry, examples include the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, a classic oscillating chemical reaction. In biology, autokatalysis plays a role in processes like enzyme kinetics and the replication of genetic material. The concept can also be applied to the spread of information or the growth of technologies, where the adoption or use of something can make it more appealing or effective, thus encouraging further adoption. Understanding autokatalüüsiga is crucial for controlling and predicting the behavior of such systems.