Cofactor

Many enzymes require the presence of a

nonprotein substance called a cofactor.
Cofactors may be organic or inorganic.
There are three types of cofactors.
the inactive protein molecule is known as
an apoenzyme.
an active enzyme, it is called a
holoenzyme.

Type of cofactor
Prosthetic groups
Coenzymes
Enzyme activators

Coenzymes
small, non-protein organic molecules.
they bind loosely and temporarily to the active
site of the enzyme.
play an accessory role in enzyme-catalyzed
processes,
acting as a donor or acceptor of a substance
involved in the reaction.
When combined with an inactive apoenzyme,
coenzymes form a complete, active enzyme
called the holoenzyme


The coenzymes readily detach and help to
transfer chemical group, atoms or
electrons from one enzyme to another
Many coenzymes are derivatives of
vitamins especially group B vitamins. NAD
(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) for
example is formed from niacin.
It is a coenzyme for a number of
dehydrogenase enzymes and acts as a
hydrogen acceptor.
Prosthetic group
is a non-protein organic molecule
tightly (often covalently) bound to a
particular enzyme molecule.
involved in the catalytic function of the
enzyme.
Haem is an example of a prosthetic group
found in cytochromes and haemoglobin,
which carries electrons and/or oxygen.

Ion activator
Activators are inorganic ions such as Ca
2+
Zn
2+
, Mg
2+
, Fe
2+
and CF.
They may attach temporarily to the
enzyme and change its active site t
make the shape more suitable for a
reaction to take place.
The ion may also bind the enzyme and
substrate together.

Help draw electron away from the
substrate molecule-making bond less
stable-eisier to break
Example-refer your book
Calcium ions are needed to activate
thrombokinase which converts
prothrombin to thrombin in blood clotting.
Chloride ions increase salivary amylase
activity.

The largest number of vitamins (e.g., B complex vitamins) function
as precursors for enzyme cofactors, that help enzymes in their work
as catalysts in metabolism.
In this role, vitamins may be tightly bound to enzymes as part of
prosthetic groups:
For example, biotin is part of enzymes involved in making fatty
acids.
Vitamins may also be less tightly bound to enzyme catalysts as
coenzymes, detachable molecules that function to carry chemical
groups or electrons between molecules.
For example, folic acid carries various forms of carbon group
methyl, formyl, and methylene in the cell.
Although these roles in assisting enzyme-substrate reactions are
vitamins' best-known function, the other vitamin functions are
equally important.