Coenzymes and prosthetic groups Flashcards
What is a coenzyme?
A molecule which binds to the active site with the substrate and helps the reaction.
What is a cofactor?
A substance which is present to ensure an enzyme-controlled reaction takes place at an appropriate rate.
What does a coenzyme do?
Non-protein molecule which binds to the active site of an enzyme for a short period of time, just before or with the substrate. Recycled.
What is an example of coenzymes?
Vitamin B3. used in the process of breaking down fats and carbohydrates to release energy. Required for pyruvate dehydrogenase to function properly.
What happens if you do not have enough Vitamin B3?
Develop a disease known as pellagra.
What is a prosthetic group?
A coenzyme which is a permanent part of an enzyme. Also contributes towards to protein’s 3D shape and other properties.
What is an example of a prosthetic group?
Carbonic anhydrase
What does carbonic anhydrase do?
Contains a zinc-based prosthetic group which is involved in the catalysing the combination of water and carbon dioxide to give carbonic acid.
What do ions do?
The ion binding makes the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex happen more easily, because it can affect the charge distribution or the end shape of the complex.
What is an example in which an ion is used?
Amylase
What happens in amylase?
The enzyme will only function properly if chloride ions are present.
