Are cofactors consumed in the reaction?

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SUMMARY

Cofactors, such as NAD+ and NADH, are essential components in enzymatic reactions, often acting as electron acceptors or donors. Unlike enzymes, which are not consumed during reactions, cofactors can be consumed, as seen with NAD+. The term "cofactor" encompasses any non-amino acid molecule required for enzyme function, which may either participate in reactions or serve a structural role, as exemplified by metal ions. Cytochrome C Oxidase's cofactors act as catalysts but are not consumed in the process.

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sameeralord
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Hello everyone,

I have a quick clarification. Enzymes are not consumed in the reaction but cofactor like NAD+ is consumed in reaction right. So does NAD+ first bind to the enzyme and then get reduced in certain reactions? Thanks :smile:
 
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"Cofactor" really means anything that's not an amino acid which is bound to the enzyme and required for it to function. A cofactor like NAD+/NADH usually participates as an electron acceptor/donor in the reaction, so it's part of the reaction.
On the other hand a metal ion might just sit in the protein and coordinate to a couple of negatively charged ligands and have a purely structural role, with no participation at all. And the cytochrome cofactors in Cytochrome C Oxidase participate in the reaction, but act as catalysts and aren't consumed.

So 'cofactor' doesn't imply anything about whether or not it plays a role in the reactivity.
 
alxm said:
"Cofactor" really means anything that's not an amino acid which is bound to the enzyme and required for it to function. A cofactor like NAD+/NADH usually participates as an electron acceptor/donor in the reaction, so it's part of the reaction.
On the other hand a metal ion might just sit in the protein and coordinate to a couple of negatively charged ligands and have a purely structural role, with no participation at all. And the cytochrome cofactors in Cytochrome C Oxidase participate in the reaction, but act as catalysts and aren't consumed.

So 'cofactor' doesn't imply anything about whether or not it plays a role in the reactivity.

Ok thanks :smile:
 

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