Basis of differentiation | Enzyme | Coenzyme |
Definition | Is a protein catalyst that increases the rate of biochemical reactions without altering itself in the process | Is an organic non-protein molecule that enzymes require to effectively perform their catalytic activity |
Size | Is a large molecule | Is a small molecule |
Nature | Is a globular protein | Is a non-protein molecule |
Composition | Composed of amino acids that form a complex 3D structure | May be a vitamin or derivative, not composed of amino acids |
Function | Acts as a biological catalyst that facilitates and catalyzes specific chemical reactions in the body | Acts as a helper molecule that facilitates an enzyme’s catalytic activity by transferring electrons or chemical groups during enzymatic reactions |
Specificity | Is specific | Is not specific |
Involvement in catalytic activity | Is directly involved in catalysis by providing a specific active site for substrates to bind to | Is indirectly involved in catalysis, typically assisting enzymes by accepting or donating chemical groups |
Changes after the reaction | Retains its structure and chemical composition throughout the enzymatic reaction | Undergoes chemical change after the enzymatic reaction |
Examples |
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