cofactors Flashcards
what is a cofactor
-a non protein substance that is present to ensure an enzyme catalysed reaction takes place at the appropriate rate
what 2 things can cofactors do
-form part of the active site of an enzyme
-transfer atoms/groups from one reaction to another in a multi-step reaction pathway
example of organic cofactors
-coenzymes (not permanently bound)
-prosthetic groups (permanently bound)
example of inorganic factors
-mineral ions (metal ions)
how are inorganic metal ions obtained
-via the diet as minerals
what kind of binding does inorganic metal ions have
not permanently bound
Example of an inorganic metal ion
-Amylase containing chloride ion
-necessary for the formation of a correctly shaped active site
-required for hydrolysis of starch into maltose
what groups are coenzymes
-non protein
-organic
how are coenzymes obtained
-derived from vitamins in the diet (formed from vitamins)
example of coenzyme involved in respiration
-NAD synthesised using vitamin B3
example of coenzyme involved in break down of fatty acids and carbs in respiration
-coenzyme A
what groups are prosthetic groups part of
-organic cofactor
-permanently bound
example of prosthetic group in haemaglobin
-iron
-permanently bound
-allow binding of o2
what are prosthetic groups bound to enzymes by
-covalent bonds
example of a prosthetic group
-zinc ions permanently bound to carbonic anhydrase
-catalyses the interconversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid
