Zeitschrift für chemische Wissenschaften

Coenzymes and Cofactors: Essential Partners in Enzymatic Catalysis

Abstract

Stephane Peter

Enzymes are the molecular machines that drive the countless chemical reactions within living organisms. These biological catalysts are crucial for maintaining life processes, facilitating reactions that would otherwise occur too slowly to sustain life. Behind the scenes, coenzymes and cofactors play pivotal roles in supporting enzymatic catalysis, acting as essential partners that enable enzymes to carry out their functions effectively. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. However, enzymes often require additional assistance from small, non-protein molecules known as coenzymes and cofactors.