A metal ion such as zinc or magnesium that an enzyme needs in order to work is called
- A. a cofactor
- B. a coenzyme
- C. a prosthetic protein
- D. a substrate
Explanation
Cofactor is the term for an inorganic helper, and zinc in carbonic anhydrase and magnesium in the kinases of respiration are standard examples. Coenzymes are organic helpers such as NAD and coenzyme A, usually derived from vitamins, so the distinction is simply inorganic against organic. This is why trace elements are needed in the diet in tiny but non negotiable amounts.
Related questions
A non-protein organic molecule that an enzyme needs in order to function, such as NAD, is called a
Which statement about enzymes is correct?
Enzymes such as pepsin and trypsin are secreted in an inactive form known as a
An enzyme that catalyses the removal of hydrogen from a substrate is classified as a
Many coenzymes are derived from