What is a co-factor?
Q: What is a co-factor?
A: A co-factor is a chemical compound that is attached to a protein and is necessary for the protein's biological activity.
Q: What is the role of a co-factor?
A: The role of a co-factor is to assist an enzyme in carrying out its biological activity.
Q: What other name is given to co-factors which are complex organic molecules?
A: Co-factors which are complex organic molecules are also called coenzymes.
Q: What is the difference between a prosthetic group and a cosubstrate?
A: A co-factor is a prosthetic group if it is connected to the protein by a covalent bond, while it is a cosubstrate if it is temporarily connected to the protein.
Q: What types of molecules can be co-factors?
A: Co-factors can be organic molecules, often vitamins or derived from vitamins, and inorganic metallic ions.
Q: Are some enzymes dependent on multiple co-factors?
A: Yes, some enzymes require several co-factors to function properly.
Q: Can both organic and inorganic molecules be part of a co-factor?
A: Yes, many co-factors are composed of both inorganic and organic parts.
