Final answer:
Co-factors are essential for the proper function of enzymes in cell metabolism, acting as inorganic ions or complex organic molecules to stabilize enzyme structures and enhance catalytic activity in biochemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of Co-factors in Cell Metabolism
Co-factors play a crucial role in cell metabolism by supporting enzymes during biochemical reactions. As inorganic ions or complex organic molecules, co-factors stabilize enzyme structures and thus enhance their catalytic activity. For instance, in aerobic metabolism, co-factors serve as essential components for enzyme complexes like the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
In photosynthesis, specific co-factors like copper are involved in the electron transport chain, mediating the transfer of electrons between photosystems. Furthermore, co-factors and coenzymes are vital for the conversion of a substrate into its end-product. One of the primary sources of coenzymes is from dietary vitamins, which can either be precursors to coenzymes or act as coenzymes themselves. Vitamins such as Vitamin C are crucial for several enzymes, including those that synthesize collagen.
Competitive inhibitors can regulate enzyme activity by interacting with the active sites, demonstrating the importance of proper cofactor availability for efficient enzymatic function. Dietary intake of vitamins and minerals can thus indirectly affect enzyme functionality by regulating the availability of these indispensable coenzymes and cofactors.