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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an example of an inorganic cofactor?
Which of the following is an example of an inorganic cofactor?
- Fatty acids
- Calcium (correct)
- Coenzyme A
- Vitamin B3
Prosthetic groups are loosely bound to enzymes.
Prosthetic groups are loosely bound to enzymes.
False (B)
What happens to inactive precursor enzymes to become active?
What happens to inactive precursor enzymes to become active?
They require the binding of a cofactor or coenzyme.
A precursor enzyme that needs to bind a cofactor is called an ______.
A precursor enzyme that needs to bind a cofactor is called an ______.
Match the following enzyme components with their descriptions:
Match the following enzyme components with their descriptions:
Flashcards
Inorganic Cofactors
Inorganic Cofactors
Inorganic ions like chloride, calcium, or iron obtained from the diet. They bind to the enzyme's active site, changing its shape to accommodate the substrate.
Coenzymes
Coenzymes
Organic molecules derived from vitamins, like B3 or B5. They bind loosely to the enzyme and are essential for its activity.
Prosthetic Groups
Prosthetic Groups
Inorganic ions that permanently bind to the enzyme's structure, influencing its activity. They're tightly bound and part of the enzyme's shape.
Apoenzyme
Apoenzyme
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Holoenzyme
Holoenzyme
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Study Notes
Enzymes and Cofactors
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
- Enzymes have a specific active site that binds to a substrate, forming an enzyme-substrate complex.
- The enzyme then catalyzes the reaction, converting the substrate to a product, which is then released.
- Holoenzyme is the complete, active enzyme.
- Apoenzyme is the protein portion of the enzyme, and needs a cofactor to be active.
Cofactors
- Cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic activity.
- Cofactors may be inorganic ions (like metal ions) or organic molecules (like coenzymes).
- Coenzymes are organic molecules that help enzymes catalyze reactions.
- Coenzymes are often derived from vitamins.
- Prosthetic groups are tightly bound cofactors that are permanently associated with the enzyme.
Classification of Cofactors
- Inorganic ions: Ions such as zinc ions, chloride and calcium.
- Organic molecules: Coenzymes are organic molecules that are derived from vitamins, such as vitamin B3 and B5.
- Prosthetic groups: Tightly bound cofactors are permanently associated with the enzyme. These include transition metals such as zinc.
Roles of Cofactors
- Cofactors help enzymes to achieve their optimum activity in reactions.
- Some cofactors (like chloride ions) help determine the shape of the active site of the enzyme to allow for substrate binding.
- Other cofactors (like coenzyme A) participate in the reaction mechanism itself, assisting in the transformation of the substrate to the product.
Inactive precursor enzymes (zymogens)
- Some enzymes are produced in an inactive form called zymogens.
- Zymogens need to be activated by a certain process (chemical cleavage) to become active enzymes.
- This activation process is important in regulating enzyme activity and preventing unintended reactions.
- Inactive or precursor enzymes do not cause damage to cells.
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Description
This quiz delves into the intricate roles of enzymes and cofactors, exploring how enzymes act as biological catalysts and the necessity of cofactors for their function. Understand the distinctions between holoenzymes, apoenzymes, inorganic ions, and coenzymes, and gain insights into enzymatic activity. Test your knowledge on these fundamental biological concepts.
