Overview
Cofactors and coenzymes play vital roles in the functioning of enzymes, which are essential for biochemical reactions in living organisms. Cofactors can be metal ions or organic molecules, while coenzymes are a specific type of cofactor derived from vitamins. Both are necessary for enzymes to cataly...
Key Terms
Example: Metal ions like zinc and magnesium are common cofactors.
Example: NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in redox reactions.
Example: Amylase helps break down starch into sugars.
Example: Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation.
Example: Metabolism includes catabolism and anabolism.
Example: Enzymes catalyze reactions by lowering activation energy.
Related Topics
Enzyme Kinetics
Study of the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions and factors affecting them.
intermediateMetabolic Pathways
Understanding the series of chemical reactions in metabolism and their regulation.
intermediateNutritional Biochemistry
Exploration of how nutrients affect biochemical processes in the body.
intermediateKey Concepts
CofactorsCoenzymesEnzyme ActivityVitamin Role