coenzyme

Thân thiện

A student studies a diagram of a coenzyme in a biology textbook.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small organic molecule that is necessary for the functioning of certain enzymes: A coenzyme is a non-protein compound, often derived from a vitamin, that binds to an enzyme and is essential for its catalytic activity. It acts as a carrier of specific atoms or functional groups during the biochemical reactions catalyzed by the enzyme.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • NAD+ is a vital coenzyme involved in cellular respiration.
  • Many B vitamins function as precursors for important coenzymes in metabolism.
  • The enzyme's activity was lost when the coenzyme was removed from the solution.

Advanced Usage

• "Coenzyme Q10": A specific, well-known coenzyme involved in energy production within cells and also acting as an antioxidant.
  • Some people take coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement.

Variants and Related Words

• Coenzymatic (adj): Relating to or involving a coenzyme.
  • The coenzymatic reaction was studied in detail.
• Apoenzyme (n): The protein part of an enzyme that requires a coenzyme to become active.
  • The apoenzyme is inactive without its coenzyme.

Synonyms

• Cofactor: A broader term that includes both inorganic molecules and organic coenzymes required for enzyme activity.
• Prosthetic group: A coenzyme or other molecule that is tightly and permanently bound to an enzyme.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Coenzyme A (CoA): A crucial coenzyme in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.
  • Acetyl-CoA, a molecule formed from coenzyme A, is central to metabolism.
• Electron carrier: A descriptive term for coenzymes like NAD+ and FAD that transfer electrons in metabolic pathways.
  • These coenzymes serve as electron carriers in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes