Final answer:
The protein helper molecules required for some enzyme functions are known as cofactors and coenzymes. Cofactors are typically inorganic ions like iron and magnesium, while coenzymes are organic molecules often derived from vitamins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protein helper molecules that must be present for some enzymes to work are called cofactors and coenzymes. Enzymes may require these molecules for optimal function, and they typically bind to the enzyme through ionic, hydrogen, or covalent bonds. Cofactors are often inorganic ions such as iron (Fe++) and magnesium (Mg++), which help stabilize enzyme conformation and function. For example, the enzyme DNA polymerase, which is essential in building DNA molecules, requires a zinc ion (Zn++) as a cofactor. On the other hand, coenzymes are organic molecules and are often vitamins or derived from vitamins, necessary for various biochemical reactions. Vitamin C, for instance, is a coenzyme for many enzymes involved in synthesizing collagen, an important connective tissue component.