Cofactor

usgb/ˈkoʊ.fæk.tɚ/
noun

A cofactor is a substance that is necessary for the activity of an enzyme. It can be a metal ion or a coenzyme.

Vitamins often act as cofactors in biochemical reactions.
Visual representation of "cofactor" - A cofactor is a substance that is necessary for the activity of an enzyme. It can be a metal ion or a coenzyme.

Often appears as...

  • cofactor of an enzyme
  • essential cofactor

Usage tips

Neutral

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "cofactor"
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Scientific Context

A cofactor is essential in biochemical contexts, particularly in enzymatic reactions.

Illustration for Scientific Context
Vitamins serve as critical cofactors in many metabolic pathways.
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Mathematical Application

In math, a cofactor relates to determinants in matrices.

Illustration for Mathematical Application
Calculating the cofactor is an important step in finding the inverse of a matrix.
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Nutritional Significance

In nutrition, cofactors indicate what nutrients support enzymatic function.

Illustration for Nutritional Significance
Zinc is an important cofactor that supports hundreds of enzymes.
Visual representation of the word "Cofactor"

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