cofactors
Last reviewed 01/2018
Cofactors are ions, less frequently molecules, which are tightly bound to an enzyme and usually sited at the active site. Commonly, they function as acceptors and donators of electrons. They are vital to enzyme function. Examples include:
- Fe 2+/Fe 3+ in cytochrome oxidase
- Zn2+ in carboxypeptidase A
- Cl- in amylase