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Chapter 11: Q4. (page 327)

Why are cofactors required for some enzymatic reactions?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Cofactors are required for oxidation-reduction reaction and group transfer processes which are not facilitated by functional groups of proteins.

Step by step solution

01

Cofactors

Cofactors are organic molecules which make enzymes more efficient and also referred to as enzyme chemical teeth.

02

Enzymatic reaction and requirement of cofactors

The functional groups of proteins are less suitable for many reactions including oxidation-reduction reaction and group transfer process. For such reactions to be carried out, cofactors are required.

These can either be metal ions which are required in trace amount. Examples are zinc Zn2+ and cadmium Cd2+.They can also be organic molecules which are known as coenzymes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What factors influence an enzyme’s substrate specificity?

The covalent catalytic mechanism of an enzyme depends on a single active site Cys whose pK is 8. A mutation in a nearby residue alters the microenvironment so that this pK increases to 10. Would the mutation cause the reaction rate to increase or decrease? Explain.

What are the advantages of synthesizing proteases as zymogens?

The comparison of the active site geometries of chymotrypsin and subtilisin under the assumption that their similarities have catalytic significance has led to greater mechanistic understanding of both these enzymes. Discuss the validity of this strategy.

What is the relationship between cofactors, coenzymes, cosubstrates, and prosthetic groups?
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