Coenzyme: Difference between revisions
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Coenzymes are small [[organic molecules|organic molecules]] that have the ability to act as a [[Cofactor]] to an [[Enzyme|enzyme]]. Other well known cofactors are [[Transition metal|metals]]. The role of cofactors varies with the type of cofactor and enzyme. An enzyme with a cofactor is catalytically active and therefore is known as a [[Holoenzyme]]. | |||
Coenzymes usually originate from [[Vitamins|vitamins]]. They can bind tightly or loosely to an [[Enzyme|enzyme]]. Coenzymes that are tightly bound are known as [[Prosthetic group|prosthetic groups]], whilst loosely bound coenzymes are called cosubstrates. This is because they actually bind and are released from the enzyme, much like a [[Substrate|substrate]] molecule. | |||
Coenzymes act as electron/proton carriers in reactions, so they are involved in | Coenzymes act as [[electron|electron]]/[[proton|proton]] carriers in reactions, so they are involved in [[Oxidation]] and [[Reduction|Reduction]] reactions. [[NAD+|NAD<sup>+</sup>]] can accept 2 electrons whereas [[FAD|FAD]] can be reduced by taking up 2 protons to form [[FADH2|FADH<sub>2</sub>]]<ref>Berg JM, Tymoczko, Stryer L. (2011), Biochemistry,7th Edition, New York: WH Freeman (p229, p456-8)</ref>. | ||
=== References === | |||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Latest revision as of 08:47, 21 November 2017
Coenzymes are small organic molecules that have the ability to act as a Cofactor to an enzyme. Other well known cofactors are metals. The role of cofactors varies with the type of cofactor and enzyme. An enzyme with a cofactor is catalytically active and therefore is known as a Holoenzyme.
Coenzymes usually originate from vitamins. They can bind tightly or loosely to an enzyme. Coenzymes that are tightly bound are known as prosthetic groups, whilst loosely bound coenzymes are called cosubstrates. This is because they actually bind and are released from the enzyme, much like a substrate molecule.
Coenzymes act as electron/proton carriers in reactions, so they are involved in Oxidation and Reduction reactions. NAD+ can accept 2 electrons whereas FAD can be reduced by taking up 2 protons to form FADH2[1].
References
- ↑ Berg JM, Tymoczko, Stryer L. (2011), Biochemistry,7th Edition, New York: WH Freeman (p229, p456-8)