Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. They are typically proteins that lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to occur more efficiently. Enzymes can be classified based on their structure and the presence of additional molecules, such as cofactors and coenzymes, which may be necessary for their activity.
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Cofactors
Cofactors are non-protein chemical compounds that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions. They can be metal ions, such as zinc or magnesium, or organic molecules that are not classified as coenzymes. Cofactors are essential for the proper functioning of certain enzymes, as they can help stabilize enzyme-substrate complexes or participate directly in the reaction.
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Coenzymes
Coenzymes are a specific type of cofactor that are organic molecules, often derived from vitamins, which assist enzymes in their catalytic activity. Unlike cofactors, coenzymes are typically loosely bound to the enzyme and may be altered during the reaction. An example is vitamin B₆, which acts as a coenzyme in various enzymatic reactions, particularly in amino acid metabolism.
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