Cofactor (Noun)
Meaning
A substance (as a coenzyme) that must join with another to produce a given result.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
- The presence of a metal ion cofactor is necessary for the enzyme to bind to its substrate.
- NAD+ is a cofactor that plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, allowing energy to be produced.
- The enzyme requires a magnesium ion cofactor to facilitate the chemical reaction that converts glucose into energy.
- A lack of a specific cofactor can render an enzyme inactive, thereby disrupting cellular metabolism.