Kofaktori

Kofaktori are non-protein chemical compounds or metallic ions that are required for the biological activity of an enzyme. They can be considered helper molecules that are required for the enzyme to function correctly. Kofaktori can be loosely associated with the enzyme, as in the case of coenzymes, or they can be tightly bound to the enzyme, as in the case of prosthetic groups.

There are two main types of kofaktori: coenzymes and metal ions. Coenzymes are organic molecules that are typically derived from vitamins. They often act as carriers of chemical groups, such as electrons or atoms, that are needed for the enzyme's catalytic activity. Examples of coenzymes include NAD+, FAD, and coenzyme A. Metal ions are inorganic ions that can play a variety of roles in enzyme function. They can help to stabilize the enzyme's structure, participate directly in the catalytic reaction, or act as a bridge between the enzyme and its substrate. Examples of metal ions that serve as kofaktori include magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Without their kofaktori, many enzymes would be inactive. The binding of a kofaktori to an enzyme often induces a conformational change in the enzyme, which creates or optimizes the active site for catalysis. This interaction is crucial for the efficient functioning of biochemical pathways within living organisms. The study of kofaktori is important for understanding enzyme mechanisms and for developing enzyme-based therapies.