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What are cofactors and coenzymes? AS Biology

rm_27

^^^^The title. What do they do? Why are they important?

Thank you!

Reply 1

kawehi

Original post by rm_27

^^^^The title. What do they do? Why are they important?

Thank you!

Cofactors: chemical compound that increase rate of enzyme reactions, as they allow the enzyme-substrate complexes to form more easily
Example: Amylase catalyses the breakdown of maltose molecules. This enzyme will function properly only if chloride ions arepresent. Without the chloride ions, amylase cannot catalyse the reaction

Coenzymes: metalloorganic, non-protein molecules that bind before or with the substrate. They can be prosthetic groups if they are found permanently within the enzyme.
Example: The enzyme carbonic anhydrase contains a zinc-based prosthetic group. This enzyme is a vital component in red bloodcells, where it is involved in catalysing the combination of water and carbon dioxide to give carbonic acid. This is animportant reaction that enables carbon dioxide to be transported in the blood

All you need to know is that they are vital for the actual reaction of the enzyme with the substrate. You can think of them as trying to put half a puzzle piece (the enzyme) together with another puzzle piece. They aren't going to fit unless you can find the other half (the cofactor/enzyme), so you won't get a reaction.