what is a cofactor?
A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound that is required for the protein's biological activity.These proteins are commonly enzymes, and cofactors can be considered helper molecules that assist in biochemical transformations. cofactor that is tightly or even covalently bound is termed a prosthetic group. Some sources also limit the use of the term cofactor to inorganic substances. An inactive enzyme without the cofactor is called an apoenzyme, while the complete enzyme with cofactor is called a holoenzyme.
Coenzymes. Coenzymes: A nonprotein component of enzymes is called the cofactor. If the cofactor is organic, then it is called a coenzyme. Coenzymes are relatively small molecules compared to the protein part of the enzyme.Many of the coenzymes are derived from vitamins.oenzymes. Coenzymes: A nonprotein component of enzymes is called the cofactor. If the cofactor is organic, then it is called a coenzyme. Coenzymes are relatively small molecules compared to the protein part of the enzyme.