Here are some examples as how co-factors or co-enzymes assist in protein actitvities.
Oxygen-binding hemoglobin:
- A co-factor namely HEME is required here that takes up oxygen and carbon dioxide and release them at specific places within the body.
Chemical Capture of light:
- When a photon energy changes the covalent structure if protein a co-factor is required here to come and rescue from denaturation and bring it back to normal.
Electron Transfer Reactions:
- There are certain proteins/ nucleic acid radicals that are extremely dangerous for the body. In such situation poly aromatic/ conjugated enzymes or co-factors like NAD, FAD are taken assistance of by proteins or nucleic acids.
Note: We require co-factors or co-enzymes for the complete protein activity.
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Classes of co-enzymes:
- Co-substrates are altered during the reaction and regenerated by another enzyme.
- Prosthetic groups remain bound to the enzyme during the reaction and may be covalently or tightly bound to enzyme.
- Metabollite enzymes are synthesized by common metabollites.
- Vitamin-derived co-enzymes are derivatives of vitamins that need to be supplemented in food because they cannot be synthesized by mammals.
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Some knowledge about VITAMINS:
- First vitamin discovered was Thiamine B1.
- Not all vitamins are amines or nitrogen containing compounds.
- Vitamin requirements are usually expressed as RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowance).
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Water Soluble Vitamins:
Thiamine (B1)
Riboflavin (B2)
Niacin (B3)
Pentothenic Acid (B5)
Pyridoxal (B6)
Biotin (B7)
Follic Acid (B9)
Cobalamin (B12)
Vitamin C
Lipid Soluble Vitamins:
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K