Co-factors, co-enzymes and prosthetic groups

Last updated Jun 18, 2023 Edit

• Biology
• Enzymes

• Non-protein components
• Bind temporarily
• Obtained from diet (iron ions, calcium ions etc)
• eg, amylase requires Cl⁻ to function

• An organic (carbon-based) co-factor
• Bind temporarily
• Many derived from vitamins
• Carry chemicals between enzymes

• Bind permanently
• Eg haem in haemoglobin

• many enzymes are inactive to begin with
• need a change in 3D structure to activate
• Some activated by co-factors, some a change in environment (pH/temperature)

Enzymes