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Coenzyme and cofactor are two types of non-protein compounds that aid the function of enzymes that catalyze a variety of biochemical reactions occurring in living organisms. Both coenzymes and cofactors bind to the active site of the enzyme.
Cofactors are non-protein, metallic ions. They may be either inorganic ions or organic molecules. Additionally, some sources also limit the use of the term “cofactor” to inorganic substances. On the other hand, Coenzymes are complex organic or metalloorganic, non-protein chemical compounds.
The difference between cofactor and coenzyme is mainly characterized based on chemical nature and function. Cofactors constitute a large group of helper molecules (inorganic or organic). Conversely, cofactors are small organic molecules.
There are two types of cofactors viz coenzymes and prosthetic groups. Coenzymes are defined as organic molecules, small, non-protein which are also termed cosubstrates. They act as carriers and can be easily removed.
A cofactor is a non-protein chemical substance that binds firmly to an enzyme, helping its function. Cofactor associates with an inactive enzyme, called an apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme, or holoenzyme. Cofactors can be inorganic (metal ions) or organic (coenzymes and prosthetic groups).
This is the definition of coenzyme and the explanation of the difference between coenzymes, cofactors, and prosthetic groups. Examples are provided.
Key Differences. Coenzymes and cofactors are both essential for the catalytic activities of enzymes, but they play distinct roles and have different natures. Coenzymes are organic, non-protein molecules that bind to enzymes and assist in the transfer of chemical groups between molecules.
A cofactor is the non-protein part of an enzyme that is essential for the enzyme's activity as a catalyst. Coenzymes are organic non-protein part of an enzyme which functions as cofactors for the function of catalysis.
Coenzymes and cofactors are essential components in enzyme catalysis, playing vital roles in various biological reactions. While coenzymes are organic molecules that directly participate in chemical reactions, cofactors can be either inorganic ions or organic molecules that assist enzymes.
The only obvious difference is that the term coenzyme refers specifically to enzymatic cofactors while prosthetic groups may be protein cofactors without enzymatic activity.