Enzyme Week 4 Small Test - Difference Between Types of Enzymes - PDF
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Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Faculty of Medicine
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Summary
The document explains the differences between coenzymes, cofactors, and prosthetic groups, which are essential components for enzyme function. Coenzymes are organic molecules assisting in reactions, cofactors can be inorganic or organic supporting enzymes' activity, and prosthetic groups are tightly bound components for enzyme structure and catalytic reactions.
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• What is the difference between Coenzyme, Cofactor, Prosthetic Group? Coenzyme, cofactor, and prosthetic group are all essential components for the function of enzymes, but they have distinct characteristics and roles: 1. Coenzyme: Coenzymes are organic molecules, often derived from vitamins, that...
• What is the difference between Coenzyme, Cofactor, Prosthetic Group? Coenzyme, cofactor, and prosthetic group are all essential components for the function of enzymes, but they have distinct characteristics and roles: 1. Coenzyme: Coenzymes are organic molecules, often derived from vitamins, that assist enzymes in their catalytic reactions. They are loosely bound to the enzyme and help facilitate specific chemical reactions. Coenzymes are often mobile and can transfer chemical groups (e.g., electrons, atoms) between enzymes in metabolic pathways. Examples of coenzymes include NADH, FADH2, and coenzyme Q10. 2. Cofactor: Cofactors are non-protein molecules or ions that enzymes require for their activity. Cofactors can be either inorganic (like metal ions) or organic (like coenzymes). They are essential for the enzyme to function properly and can participate directly in the catalytic reaction. Cofactors can be tightly or loosely bound to the enzyme. 3. Prosthetic Group: A prosthetic group is a type of cofactor that is tightly and permanently attached to an enzyme. It is an integral part of the enzyme's structure and is necessary for its catalytic activity. Prosthetic groups are often organic molecules, such as heme in hemoglobin or biotin in enzymes involved in carboxylation reactions. Unlike coenzymes, prosthetic groups do not typically shuttle between enzymes but remain bound to a specific enzyme. Apoenzyme(non-functional) + co-enzyme = Holoenzyme(Functional) In summary, while coenzymes and cofactors can be mobile and assist multiple enzymes, a prosthetic group is a cofactor that is permanently attached to a specific enzyme and is crucial for its function.
