Catalysis
Catalysts are either of natural or synthetic origin. Catalysts are useful because they leave no  in the solution they have speeded up. A catalyst can also be used in a reaction again and again as it is not used up. There are many catalysts in our body which play an important part in many biochemical reactions. These are called enzymes. Most catalysts work by lowering the 'activation energy' of a reaction. This allows less energy to be used, thus speeding up the reaction. The opposite of a catalyst is an 'inhibitor'. Inhibitors slow down reactions. Some of them are found in snake venom and are dangerous for our nervous system or heart.