Final answer:
Cofactors are critical for the proper functioning of enzymes; they are inorganic ions or organic molecules that bind to enzymes to create an active holoenzyme form, stabilize enzyme structure, and assist in chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
How do cofactors affect enzyme activity? Cofactors, which can be inorganic ions or small organic molecules, have a pivotal role in stabilizing enzyme conformation and enhancing their function.
In the absence of cofactors, an enzyme is referred to as an apoenzyme and is inactive. Once bound to their necessary cofactor, they become active and are known as a holoenzyme.
Some cofactors may include metals like zinc, magnesium, and iron, which help to maintain the proper shape of the enzyme, ensuring it can function optimally.
Often derived from vitamins, coenzymes serve as organic cofactors, enabling enzymes to carry out the chemical transitions needed to transform substrates into products.
This interplay is crucial for various metabolic pathways and can be influenced by including or excluding certain cofactors to determine the impact on enzymatic reactions, such as those involved when testing the effect of a drug candidate.