Cofactors, coenzymes and prosthetic groups Flashcards
1
Q
what are cofactors?
A
they form part of an active site or bind to an area of the enzyme so it changes shape to be complementary to the substrate, they are required by some enzymes to carry out their catalytic functions
2
Q
what are coenzymes?
A
a cofactor that is an organic molecule (found in the body, contains carbon)
3
Q
what are prosthetic groups?
A
they are cofactors, they are tightly bound and form permanent feature of the protein
4
Q
why do precursor enzymes need to change shape?
A
to become activated
5
Q
how can precursor enzymes be activated?
A
by the addition of a cofactor
6
Q
before a cofactor is added what is the name of the precursor enzyme?
A
apoenzyme
7
Q
what is the name of the precursor enzyme once it has been activated?
A
holoenzyme
