[FeLiXe]

Hi, is there a difference between coenzyme and cofactor or do they both mean the same? Our biochemistry professor told us that a cofactor is inorganic and a coenzyme is organic, is that true?

thanks

[DeltaForce]

A coenzyme is an organic molecule (not a protein) which transfers chemical groups around, e.g. ATP which is a carrier of phosphates in metabolism.

A cofactor can include both an inorganic and organic component.  Example is the heme proteins, which consist of both a tetrapyrrole and iron.  A chemical molecule needed for the enzyme to work.  Some cofactors bind v.tightly to the enzyme whereas others are loosely-bound - these are sometimes termed coenzymes as they almost act like a substrate.

Hope this helps... good luck 

[FeLiXe]

thanks