A nonprotein molecule necessary for enzyme activity is called a?

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Multiple Choice

A nonprotein molecule necessary for enzyme activity is called a?

Enzymes often need a nonprotein component to be active, and that component is a cofactor. Cofactors can be inorganic metal ions such as Mg2+, Zn2+, or organic molecules known as coenzymes, which are often derived from vitamins and participate in the reaction by transferring electrons or atoms. The term cofactor covers both inorganic and organic cases, making it the broad and correct descriptor for a nonprotein molecule required for enzyme activity. An activator simply increases activity but isn’t required for function, and isoenzyme refers to different forms of the same enzyme. Coenzyme is a subset of cofactors (the organic ones), not the general term.

Enzymes often need a nonprotein component to be active, and that component is a cofactor. Cofactors can be inorganic metal ions such as Mg2+, Zn2+, or organic molecules known as coenzymes, which are often derived from vitamins and participate in the reaction by transferring electrons or atoms. The term cofactor covers both inorganic and organic cases, making it the broad and correct descriptor for a nonprotein molecule required for enzyme activity. An activator simply increases activity but isn’t required for function, and isoenzyme refers to different forms of the same enzyme. Coenzyme is a subset of cofactors (the organic ones), not the general term.

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