Fiveable
Fiveable

Cofactor

Definition

A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's activity.

Related terms

Coenzyme: This is like rechargeable batteries. It’s a type of cofactor that are organic molecules and can be reused in multiple reactions.

Prosthetic Group: This would be like built-in, non-removable batteries. They’re permanently bound to their enzymes.

Apoenzyme/Holoenzyme: These are like your remote control car without/with batteries. Apoenzyme is inactive enzyme without its cofactor while holoenzyme is active with its cofactor.

"Cofactor" appears in:

Subjects (1)

  • Organic Chemistry

Study guides (1)

  • AP Biology - 3.1 Enzyme Structure

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab


Fiveable
About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

Stay Connected


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.