Question

What is the difference between a co-enzyme and a co-factor?

Answer 1

hi! co-enzyme is a protein or an organic substance to be precise...cofactors are inorganic ions like\[Mg^{2+}\] is a cofactor for kinase enzyme...
and biotin is a co enzyme for carboxylase enzyme

Answer 2

So cofactors are always ions? And couldn't an inorganic co enzyme be an ion as well?

Answer 3

@shrutipande9.

Answer 4

http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/coenzy_.htm
see this...it will help u..:)

Answer 5

co-factors are organic or inorganic compounds which are necessary for an enzyme to function. If a co-factor binds weakly to the enzyme then it is called as a co-enzyme , whereas if a co-factor binds strongly to the enzyme then it is called as a prosthetic group.
So a co-factor can be organic/inorganic but depending on its strength of binding to the enzyme co-factors are classified as co-enzyme or prosthetic group.

Answer 6

SO the difference is pretty much the strength of the bonds?

Answer 7

yeah exactly !

Answer 8

Thanks a lot. It has been troubling me for some time now. You have my gratitude.

Answer 9

you're welcome buddy !!!