Non-protein helpers such as metal ions or vitamin-derived molecules that many enzymes require to function.
Inorganic cofactors include Zn2+, Mg2+ and Fe2+. Organic coenzymes, such as NAD+, FAD and coenzyme A, carry electrons or chemical groups between enzymes. A tightly bound one is a prosthetic group, and the enzyme without it is an apoenzyme.
Many vitamins are coenzyme precursors, so deficiency stops key reactions.
Non-protein helpers such as metal ions or vitamin-derived molecules that many enzymes require to function.
Cofactors and Coenzymes is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Vitamins, Carbon Chemistry, Factors Affecting Enzymes.
Carbonic anhydrase needs zinc to convert CO2 and water to bicarbonate.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Cofactors and Coenzymes. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Cofactors and Coenzymes are Vitamins, Carbon Chemistry, Factors Affecting Enzymes, Phospholipids. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cofactors and Coenzymes. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Cofactors and Coenzymes: Non-protein helpers such as metal ions or vitamin-derived molecules that many enzymes require to function. Vitamins: Organic micronutrients needed in small amounts, often serving as coenzymes in metabolic reactions. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Vitamins and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Organic micronutrients needed in small amounts, often serving as coenzymes in metabolic reactions.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryCarbon forms four covalent bonds, allowing chains, rings and the huge variety of organic molecules in living things.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryTemperature, pH, substrate and enzyme concentration, and inhibitors all alter the rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryLipids with a hydrophilic phosphate head and two hydrophobic tails that self-assemble into membranes.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry