Cofactor Meaning
A cofactor is a non-protein chemical substance that binds firmly to an enzyme, helping its function. Cofactor associates with an inactive enzyme, called an apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme, or holoenzyme. Cofactors can be inorganic (metal ions) or organic (coenzymes and prosthetic groups).
Inorganic cofactors, such as metal ions like Mg²⁺, Cu⁺, and Mn²⁺, are essential trace elements in the human diet. These cofactors bind tightly to enzymes, sometimes as prosthetic groups, which cannot be removed without denaturation. For example, iron and copper are metals used in prosthetic cofactors.
Organic cofactors, or coenzymes, loosely attach to enzymes and assist in their catalytic activity. Cofactors help form the active site where the substrate binds and can also be involved in allosteric regulation, where molecules bind at a different site to modulate enzyme activity. Calcium, for instance, regulates enzymes like nitric oxide synthase and adenylate kinase.
Cofactor
Difference Between Cofactor And Coenzyme
The difference between cofactor and coenzyme lies in their composition and role in enzymatic reactions. While cofactors can be either inorganic ions or organic molecules, coenzymes are specifically organic molecules that assist enzymes by carrying chemical groups or electrons.
In this article, we will cover the difference between cofactors and co-enzymes.
Difference Between Cofactor And Coenzyme
Table of Content
- Coenzyme Meaning
- Cofactor Meaning
- Coenzyme vs Cofactor – Difference Between Coenzyme and Cofactor
- Similarities Between Cofactor And Coenzyme
- Conclusion – Difference Between Cofactor And Coenzyme
- Other Related Articles on Differences
- FAQs on the Difference Between Cofactor And Coenzyme