4.4 Cofactors, Coenzymes And Prosthetic Groups

Question 1

What do cofactors do

Answer 1

Help enzymes carry out their functions
Transfer atoms or groups from 1 reaction to another in a multi step pathway
Or form part of teh active site

Question 2

What is an organic cofactor

Answer 2

Coenzyme

Question 3

How are inorganic cofactors obtained

Answer 3

Via the diet as minerals iron calcium chloride zinc

Question 4

What are coenzymes derived from

Answer 4

Vitamins

Question 5

What are prosthetic groups

Answer 5

Cofactors
They are tightly bound to the enzyme protein in order to active them
Permanent on the protein
Zinc ions

Question 6

What are inactive precursor enzymes

Answer 6

Enzymes produced in an inactive form

Mostly ones that can cause damage to cells or tissue

Question 7

What do precursor enzymes undergo to be activated

Answer 7

A change in tertiary structure particularly the active site

Achieved by addition of a cofactor

Question 8

What is a precursor enzyme called before a cofactor is added to active it
And what’s it’s called after it’s added

Answer 8

Apoenzyme

Holoenzyme

Question 9

How does the tertiary structure change shape of a precursor protein

Answer 9

Action of another enzyme

Conditions change liek pH or temp