cofactor definition chemistry
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.ofactors can be divided into two broad groups: organic cofactors, such as flavin or heme, and inorganic cofactors, such as the metal ions Mg 2+ , Cu + , Mn 2+ , or iron-sulfur clusters. Organic cofactors are sometimes further divided into coenzymes and prosthetic groups.