BIOCHEM REVIEW - Enzymes

cofactor

1+ inorganic ions (Fe2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ etc.)

coenzyme

complex organic or metalloorganic molecule that act as transient carrier of specific functional groups

prosthetic group

coenzyme or metal ion that is very tightly or covalently bound to the enzyme/protein

holoenzyme

complete catalytically active enzyme together with its bound coenzyme and/or metal ion

apoenzyme/apoprotein

protein part of a holoenzyme aka the protein/enzyme without its coenzyme/cofactor

oxidoreductase

transfer of electrons (hydride ions or H atoms)

transferase

group transfer

hydrolase

hydrolysis (transfer of functional group to water)

lyases

cleavage of C-C, C-O, C-N single bonds by elimination, leaving double bonds or rings, or by addition of groups to double bonds

isomerases

transfer of groups within molecules to yield isomeric forms

ligases

formation of C-C, C-O, C-N single bonds by condensation reactions coupled to cleavage of ATP or similar cofactor

translocases

movement of molecules or ions across membranes or their separation within membranes

active site

provides a specific environment in which a given reaction can occur more rapidely

substrate

the molecule that is bound to the active site and acted upon by the enzyme

catalysts

enzymes are powerful biological ___