Enzyme vs. Coenzyme — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes chemical reactions in the body, while a coenzyme is a non-protein molecule that assists enzymes by transferring molecules or electrons.
Difference Between Enzyme and Coenzyme
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Enzymes are biological catalysts, primarily proteins, that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are highly specific to their substrates and play a critical role in various metabolic pathways. Coenzymes, on the other hand, are small organic molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic activity. They often act as carriers of electrons or specific atoms that are transferred during the enzymatic reaction.
Enzymes possess an active site where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical transformation. This active site is precisely shaped to fit specific substrates, ensuring the enzyme's specificity. Coenzymes contribute to this process by binding to the enzyme's active site, helping to stabilize the transition state, or by directly participating in the chemical reaction.
While enzymes are proteins and can be denatured by factors like temperature and pH, coenzymes are usually vitamins or derived from vitamins. They are more resistant to denaturation and can be reused multiple times in various enzymatic reactions. Enzymes require coenzymes to function correctly, but the opposite is not true; coenzymes need enzymes to exhibit their functionality.
Enzymes can operate independently or with the help of cofactors, which include coenzymes and metal ions. Coenzymes, such as NAD+ and FAD, play a crucial role in redox reactions and energy production in cells. In contrast, enzymes like catalase and DNA polymerase perform a wide range of functions, from breaking down hydrogen peroxide to synthesizing DNA.
The relationship between enzymes and coenzymes is vital for metabolic processes. Enzymes accelerate reaction rates, while coenzymes facilitate these reactions by transporting necessary chemical groups between molecules. This synergy ensures efficient and regulated biochemical pathways.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Protein
Non-protein organic molecule
Function
Catalyzes chemical reactions
Assists enzyme activity
Stability
Sensitive to denaturation
More resistant to denaturation
Role in Reactions
Provides active site for substrate
Transfers electrons or atoms
Reusability
Specific to one reaction type
Can be reused in different reactions
Compare with Definitions
Enzyme
Biological catalyst found in cells.
DNA polymerase helps in DNA replication.
Coenzyme
Stabilizes reaction intermediates.
Tetrahydrofolate is involved in transferring one-carbon units.
Enzyme
Protein that speeds up biochemical reactions.
Amylase breaks down starch into sugars.
Coenzyme
Organic molecule assisting enzyme function.
NAD+ carries electrons in redox reactions.
Enzyme
Molecule that lowers activation energy of reactions.
Catalase decomposes hydrogen peroxide.
Coenzyme
Helps in the transfer of chemical groups.
Biotin transfers carboxyl groups.
Enzyme
Essential for metabolic processes.
Pepsin aids in protein digestion in the stomach.
Coenzyme
Non-protein compound required by enzymes.
Coenzyme A transfers acyl groups.
Enzyme
Protein with specific active sites for substrates.
Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
Coenzyme
Often derived from vitamins.
FAD is derived from riboflavin (vitamin B2).
Enzyme
Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts (biocatalysts). Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions.
Coenzyme
An organic substance that reversibly combines with a specific protein, the apoenzyme, and with a substrate to form an active enzyme system.
Enzyme
Any of numerous compounds that are produced by living organisms and function as biochemical catalysts. Some enzymes are simple proteins, and others consist of a protein linked to one or more nonprotein groups.
Coenzyme
(biochemistry) Any small molecule that is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme.
Enzyme
(biochemistry) A globular protein that catalyses a biological chemical reaction.
Coenzyme
A molecule that is essential for the activity of some enzymes; it may exist free in solution within a living organism, but functions by binding to an enzyme to assist in catalyzing a reaction. The molecule itself may be temporarily changed during the reaction, but is ultimately restored to its original form. Many vitamins function as coenzymes.
Enzyme
(Christianity) leavened bread, as opposed to azyme
Coenzyme
A small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes
Enzyme
A protein produced by a living organism, capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction. Almost all processes in living organisms require some form of enzyme to cause the reactions to occur at a rate sufficient to support life. There are a very wide variety of enzymes, each specifically catalyzing a different chemical reaction, the sum of which cause the bulk of the physiological changes observed as life processes. Enzymes, like most proteins, are synthesized by the protein-synthetic mechanism of the living cell, at special sites on ribosomes, using the genetic information in messenger RNA transcribed from the genetic instructions stored as nuleotide sequences in the DNA (or in some viruses, the RNA) of the genome. Some examples of enzymes are: pepsin, diastase, rennet, DNA polymerase, invertase, glucose oxidase, protease, and ribonuclease. There are many other types of enzyme.
Enzyme
Any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
Common Curiosities
Can coenzymes be reused?
Yes, coenzymes can be reused in multiple enzymatic reactions.
Do enzymes need coenzymes to function?
Some enzymes require coenzymes to function properly.
Are coenzymes derived from vitamins?
Many coenzymes are derived from vitamins.
What is a coenzyme?
A coenzyme is a non-protein organic molecule that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.
What is an example of an enzyme?
Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide.
What is an enzyme?
An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions.
Are all enzymes proteins?
Yes, all enzymes are proteins.
Can enzymes function without coenzymes?
Some enzymes can, but others require coenzymes for activity.
What is an example of a coenzyme?
NAD+ is a common coenzyme involved in redox reactions.
How are coenzymes and cofactors different?
Cofactors can be either inorganic ions or organic molecules, while coenzymes are specifically organic molecules.
Can coenzymes be affected by environmental factors?
Coenzymes are generally more stable than enzymes and less affected by environmental changes.
Are coenzymes proteins?
No, coenzymes are not proteins.
How do enzymes and coenzymes interact?
Coenzymes bind to enzymes and assist in the catalytic process.
What role do coenzymes play in metabolic pathways?
Coenzymes transfer electrons, atoms, or functional groups between molecules.
Do all enzymes have coenzymes?
Not all enzymes have coenzymes; some function independently or with other cofactors.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
