Cofactor

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Cofactor (medicine)

Cofactor (pronounced: /ˈkoʊˌfæk.tər/) is a term used in various fields of medicine, including biochemistry, genetics, and pharmacology.

Etymology

The term "cofactor" comes from the Latin co- meaning "together" and factor meaning "maker" or "doer". In the context of biochemistry, a cofactor works together with an enzyme to facilitate a biochemical reaction.

Definition

In biochemistry, a cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's activity as a catalyst (a catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction). Cofactors can be considered "helper molecules" that assist in biochemical transformations.

Related Terms

  • Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction.
  • Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction.
  • Biochemical reaction: A chemical reaction that occurs inside the cells of living organisms.
  • Metallic ion: An ion that consists of a single atom with a positive or negative charge.
  • Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.

Cofactors in Genetics

In genetics, a cofactor can refer to a substance, such as a metabolic or genetic factor, that contributes to the occurrence of a condition or disease. Some diseases may be caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, and cofactors.

Cofactors in Pharmacology

In pharmacology, a cofactor is any substance that is necessary to the function of a drug. For example, some medications may require cofactors in the form of vitamins or minerals to be effective.

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