The key difference between enzymes and cofactors is that enzymes are protein molecules that act as catalysts, while cofactors are non-protein molecules or ions that assist enzymes in their catalytic functions.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between enzymes and cofactors and also give deep insight into both of them.
What is Enzyme?
An enzyme is a type of protein that acts as a catalyst in biological reactions. Catalysts are substances that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed or permanently altered in the process.
Enzymes play a critical role in almost all biochemical processes that occur within living organisms. Enzymes are the active players in biochemical reactions.
What is Cofactor?
Cofactor refers to a non-protein molecule or ion that is required for the proper functioning of certain enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate and accelerate chemical reactions within cells.
Proteins alone can act as enzymes, many enzymes require the presence of cofactors to function effectively. Cofactors provide the necessary support for optimal enzyme activity.
Together, enzymes and cofactors work in tandem to facilitate and regulate the vast array of chemical reactions essential for life.
Enzyme vs Cofactor
The main differences between Enzyme and Cofactor are given below:
| Enzymes | Cofactors | |
| Definition | Non-protein molecules are required for the activity of certain enzymes. | Non-protein molecules required for the activity of certain enzymes. |
| Chemical Nature | Proteins | Can be organic or inorganic molecules. |
| Role | Catalyze specific biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. | Assist enzymes in their catalytic activity by providing necessary chemical groups or assisting in electron transfer. |
| Binding | Enzymes bind to specific substrates to form enzyme-substrate complexes. | Cofactors can bind either to the enzyme or to the substrate, depending on their type. |
| Types | Can be divided into six major classes: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. | Can be classified as either coenzymes or prosthetic groups. Coenzymes are organic molecules, while prosthetic groups are tightly bound to the enzyme. |
| Examples | Amylase, DNA polymerase, and catalase are examples of enzymes. | NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), heme, and biotin are examples of cofactors. |
| Origin | Produced by living cells. | Can be obtained from the diet or synthesized by the body. |
| Regulation | Enzyme activity can be regulated through various mechanisms, including allosteric regulation and post-translational modifications. | Cofactor availability can influence enzyme activity. |
| Reusability | Enzymes are generally reusable and can catalyze multiple reactions. | Cofactors can be reused by the same or different enzymes. |