Answer:
Coenzyme Definition
A coenzyme is an organic non-protein compound that binds with an enzyme to catalyze a reaction. Coenzymes are often broadly called cofactors, but they are chemically different. A coenzyme cannot function alone but can be reused several times when paired with an enzyme.
Functions of Coenzymes
An enzyme without a coenzyme is called an apoenzyme. Without coenzymes or cofactors, enzymes cannot catalyze reactions effectively. The enzyme may not function at all. If reactions cannot occur at the normal catalyzed rate, then an organism will have difficulty sustaining life.
When an enzyme gains a coenzyme, it then becomes a holoenzyme or active enzyme. Active enzymes change substrates into the products an organism needs to carry out essential functions, whether chemical or physiological. Coenzymes, like enzymes, can be reused and recycled without changing reaction rates or effectiveness. They attach to a portion of the active site on an enzyme, which enables the catalyzed reaction to occur. When an enzyme is denatured by extreme temperature or pH, the coenzyme can no longer attach to the active site.
Types of Enzymes
Cofactors are molecules that attach to an enzyme during chemical reactions. In general, all compounds that help enzymes are called cofactors. However, cofactors can be broken down into three subgroups based on chemical makeup and function:
Coenzymes
These are reusable non-protein molecules that contain carbon (organic). They bind loosely to an enzyme at the active site to help catalyze reactions. Most are vitamins, vitamin derivatives, or form from nucleotides.