What are the differences between cofactors and coenzymes?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation
Cofactors
Coenzymes

Definition
Are non-protein chemical compounds that are tightly or loosely bound to protein, usually enzymes
Are small, organic, non-protein molecules that help to carry chemical groups between enzymes

Types
2 types - coenzymes and prosthetic groups 
Are a type of cofactor

Form
Chemical compounds
Molecules

Characteristics
Inorganic compounds
Organic molecules

Binding
Some (e.g. metal ions) are covalently bound to an enzyme
Loosely bound to enzymes

Role
Aid the functioning of enzymes by accelerating the speed of reactions catalyzed by that enzyme
Serve as carriers to the enzymes, transporting chemical groups between enzymes

Function
Assist in increasing the rate of the reaction that is catalyzed by the relevant enzyme
Assist biological transformations

Also known as
Helper molecules
Co-substrates

Removal
Can only be removed by denaturing the enzyme
Can be removed easily from the enzyme easily

Common examples
Metal ions such as Cu+, Zn2+, and Mn2+
Vitamins, biotin, coenzyme A

Basis of differentiation	Cofactors	Coenzymes
Definition	Are non-protein chemical compounds that are tightly or loosely bound to protein, usually enzymes	Are small, organic, non-protein molecules that help to carry chemical groups between enzymes
Types	2 types - coenzymes and prosthetic groups	Are a type of cofactor
Form	Chemical compounds	Molecules
Characteristics	Inorganic compounds	Organic molecules
Binding	Some (e.g. metal ions) are covalently bound to an enzyme	Loosely bound to enzymes
Role	Aid the functioning of enzymes by accelerating the speed of reactions catalyzed by that enzyme	Serve as carriers to the enzymes, transporting chemical groups between enzymes
Function	Assist in increasing the rate of the reaction that is catalyzed by the relevant enzyme	Assist biological transformations
Also known as	Helper molecules	Co-substrates
Removal	Can only be removed by denaturing the enzyme	Can be removed easily from the enzyme easily
Common examples	Metal ions such as Cu+, Zn2+, and Mn2+	Vitamins, biotin, coenzyme A

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