2.4.4 Cofactors and Enzyme Inhibition

Cofactors and Coenzymes:

• some enzymes only work with these
• they are non-protein substances
• Inorganic Cofactor:
  • some cofactors are inorganic molecules or ions
  • they work by binding the enzyme and substrate together
  • they don't directly participate and so aren't used up
• Organic Cofactors: (coenzymes)
  • they are changed by the reaction
  • often act as carriers, moving chemical groups between different enzymes 
  • they are continuously recycled
  • vitamins are often sources of coenzymes 
• Prostetic Group
  • a cofactor that is tightly bound to the enzyme

Enzyme Inhibitors:

• can prevent enzyme activity 
• they can be competitive and non-competative:
• Competitive: 
  • have a similar shape to the…