Understanding Coenzymes: Essential Organic Molecules for Speeding up Chemical Reactions in the Cell

coenzyme

small organic molecule, such as a vitamin or its derivative, which is required to enhance an enzyme’s activity

A coenzyme is a non-protein organic molecule that is required by an enzyme to function correctly. The coenzyme works in conjunction with the enzyme’s active site to speed up chemical reactions in the cell. Coenzymes are usually derived from vitamins or other dietary substances, and they are not permanently bound to the enzyme like a substrate. Instead, they temporarily associate with the enzyme, and then participate in the chemical reaction, before being released from the active site. Coenzymes are often essential for enzymatic reactions related to energy metabolism, such as breaking down glucose. Examples of coenzymes include NAD+ and FAD, which are involved in electron transfer reactions, and Coenzyme A, which is involved in metabolic processes related to fatty acid synthesis.

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