Kosubstraat

Kosubstraat is a term used in chemistry, particularly in the context of enzymatic reactions. It refers to a substance that is required for the activity of an enzyme, but is not the primary substrate being acted upon. Enzymes often require cofactors or coenzymes to facilitate their catalytic function. Kosubstraats are essentially secondary molecules that are involved in the reaction pathway or in maintaining the enzyme's active conformation, thereby enabling it to process its main substrate.

For instance, in some oxidation-reduction reactions catalyzed by enzymes, a kosubstraat might be a molecule that accepts or donates electrons. The enzyme itself might bind both the primary substrate and the kosubstraat. The transformation of the primary substrate is often dependent on the presence and interaction with the kosubstraat. Without the kosubstraat, the enzyme's catalytic efficiency might be significantly reduced or entirely absent. The term emphasizes the supportive or auxiliary role this molecule plays in the enzymatic process, distinct from the molecule that undergoes chemical change as the main product. Understanding the role of kosubstraats is crucial for comprehending enzyme kinetics and the intricate mechanisms of biochemical pathways.