Cofactor

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cofactor

A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's activity as a catalyst (a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction). Cofactors can be considered "helper molecules" that assist in biochemical transformations.

Types of Cofactors[edit | edit source]

Cofactors can be divided into two main types:

Role in Enzyme Activity[edit | edit source]

Cofactors are essential for the proper functioning of many enzymes. They can:

  • Stabilize enzyme structure
  • Participate in the enzyme's catalytic mechanism
  • Assist in the binding of the enzyme to its substrate

Examples of Cofactors[edit | edit source]

Cofactor vs. Coenzyme[edit | edit source]

While all coenzymes are cofactors, not all cofactors are coenzymes. Coenzymes are a subset of cofactors that are organic molecules, whereas cofactors can also include inorganic ions.

Related Concepts[edit | edit source]

  • Apoenzyme: The protein part of an enzyme, without its cofactor.
  • Holoenzyme: The complete, active enzyme with its cofactor.
  • Metalloenzyme: Enzymes that contain one or more metal ions as cofactors.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Related Pages[edit | edit source]



Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD