Question

Whats the difference between co-enzymes, cofactors, and prosthetic groups in an enzymatic reaction?

Answer 1

Co-enzyme : It is an organic non protein compound that mainly binds with an enzyme to catalyse a reaction.
It can never function alone until and unless paired with an enzyme. It forms bonds that can be easilly removed, It is a type of cofactor.
Eg- biotins , coenzyme A

Cofactor : It is a non-protein chemical compound or it can also be either organic or inorganic that is required for activity of certain conjugated enzymes. It can be tightly or loosely bound with an enzyme or protein molecule.
It increases the rate of reaction.
It can only be remopved by denaturing the enzyme.
eg- Zn2+ , K+ etc.

Prosthetic group: It is also a type of cofactor that is tightly bound to enzyme or protein.
Coenzymes or metall ions can serve as prosthetic group
It assists the functioning of enzyme by binding with apoenzyme.
It is difficult to remove from the enzyme. eg: Co, Mg