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Related Concept Videos

Cofactors and Coenzymes01:27

Cofactors and Coenzymes

Enzymes require additional components for proper function. There are two such classes of molecules: cofactors and coenzymes. Cofactors are metallic ions and coenzymes are non-protein organic molecules. Both of these types of helper molecule can be tightly bound to the enzyme or bound only when the substrate binds.
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Enzymes are proteins made of amino acids. The functional group of each constituent amino acid catalyzes a wide variety of chemical reactions via ionic interactions or acid-base reactions. However, amino acids cannot catalyze oxidation-reduction and group transfer reactions and need to be aided by non-protein components called cofactors. Cofactors are also referred to as the chemical teeth of an enzyme.
Cofactors can be metallic ions or organic molecules called coenzymes. These types of helper...
Cofactors and Coenzymes01:27

Cofactors and Coenzymes

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues
12:07

Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues

Published on: November 22, 2014

Micronutrient cofactor research with extensions to applications.

Donald B McCormick1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322-3050, USA. biocdbm@emory.edu

Nutrition Research Reviews
|December 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Research explores the absorption, transport, and utilization of essential micronutrients like vitamin B6 and riboflavin. Understanding cofactor metabolism and enzyme interactions is key for human dietary recommendations and health.

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Extraction of Cofactor F420 for Analysis of Polyglutamate Tail Length from Methanogenic Pure Cultures and Environmental Samples
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Extraction of Cofactor F420 for Analysis of Polyglutamate Tail Length from Methanogenic Pure Cultures and Environmental Samples

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Extraction of Cofactor F420 for Analysis of Polyglutamate Tail Length from Methanogenic Pure Cultures and Environmental Samples
04:32

Extraction of Cofactor F420 for Analysis of Polyglutamate Tail Length from Methanogenic Pure Cultures and Environmental Samples

Published on: October 14, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Human Nutrition

Background:

  • Essential micronutrients, including vitamins and metal ions, are crucial for numerous biological processes.
  • Research has focused on understanding the absorption, transport, metabolism, and excretion of these vital compounds.
  • Specific attention has been given to vitamin B6, riboflavin, biotin, lipoate, ascorbate, and metal ions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms of water-soluble vitamin transport and cellular uptake.
  • To investigate the pathways involved in cofactor formation and metabolism, particularly for vitamin B6 and riboflavin.
  • To detail the binding and function of specific cofactor systems and their enzyme interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of enzymes and metabolites from microorganisms and mammals.
  • Biochemical assays to determine cofactor preferences (e.g., Zn2+, Mg2+) for kinase activity.
  • Enzyme sequencing and cloning, including a side-chain oxidase for riboflavin.
  • Characterization of photochemical oxidation and oxidative catabolism pathways for B6 and riboflavin.

Main Results:

  • Identified specific metal ion preferences (Zn2+, Mg2+) for kinases involved in vitamin B6 and riboflavin phosphorylation.
  • Described a flavin mononucleotide-dependent oxidase linking vitamin B6 and riboflavin metabolism.
  • Sequenced and cloned a riboflavin side-chain oxidase, providing insights into its function.
  • Elucidated details of binding and function for several cofactor systems, particularly flavoproteins.
  • Demonstrated oxidative catabolism pathways for biotin and lipoate.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding cofactor metabolism and enzyme interactions is vital for human health and nutrition.
  • Findings have applications in developing affinity absorbents, enhancing drug delivery, and pathogen photoinactivation.
  • Further research is needed to establish biochemical indicators for micronutrient recommendations across different life stages.