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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between cofactors and coenzymes?

Posted November 2, 2022


Answer
Basis of differentiationCofactorsCoenzymes
DefinitionAre non-protein chemical compounds that are tightly or loosely bound to protein, usually enzymesAre small, organic, non-protein molecules that help to carry chemical groups between enzymes
Types2 types - coenzymes and prosthetic groups Are a type of cofactor
FormChemical compoundsMolecules
CharacteristicsInorganic compoundsOrganic molecules 
BindingSome (e.g. metal ions) are covalently bound to an enzymeLoosely bound to enzymes
RoleAid the functioning of enzymes by accelerating the speed of reactions catalyzed by that enzymeServe as carriers to the enzymes, transporting chemical groups between enzymes
FunctionAssist in increasing the rate of the reaction that is catalyzed by the relevant enzymeAssist biological transformations
Also known asHelper moleculesCo-substrates
RemovalCan only be removed by denaturing the enzymeCan be removed easily from the enzyme easily
Common examplesMetal ions such as Cu+, Zn2+, and Mn2+Vitamins, biotin, coenzyme A 
Additional resources

The coenzyme/protein pair and the molecular evolution of life

Amplite® Fluorimetric Coenzyme A Quantitation Kit *Green Fluorescence*