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Glite Dictionary
coenzyme

coenzyme

1 6.7
A small molecule that helps an enzyme work by carrying chemical parts or electrons
  • noun
  • /ˈkoʊɛnzaɪm/
  • Specialized
: coenzima
  • Mevalonic acid, produced from HMG-CoA reductase, is a precursor of coenzyme Q and dolichols 108, which are critical for myocyte proliferation 108.
  • coenzyme Q10
  • vitamins function as coenzymes
  • essential coenzyme

You know, neurotransmitters are, and the cofactors, the coenzymes are all part of that.

Examples

  • Look, the cycle harnesses the available chemical energy of acetyl coenzyme A into the reducing power of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

    The Senior (2025)

  • There are currently six 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) commercially available.

    Blog text (19)

  • And an important molecule to do that is something called coenzyme Q.

  • And once again those electrons flow into coenzyme Q to form the reduced form of coenzyme Q.

  • Its importance to the human heart is illustrated by the fact that the heart may cease to function as coenzyme Q10 levels fall by 75%.

    Academic text (2007)

  • HMB may also influence mitochondrial function through an increase in coenzyme Q.

    Blog text (23)

  • But we do know that magnesium is a vital coenzyme that plays a crucial role in a variety of biochemical processes in the brain.

  • The rate-limiting factor in cholesterol synthesis is the presence of the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA).

    Academic text (2011)

  • Currently, the most readily discussed mechanism has been attributed to HMB as a precursor to the rate-limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis, HMG-coenzyme A reductase.

    Blog text (23)

  • Coenzyme Q10 acts as a carrier for electrons in many metabolic processes.

Synonyms

cofactor
vscoenzyme
  • Specialized
2 8.1

A small chemical that an enzyme needs to work, for example vitamin B6

is a small nonprotein molecule that carries chemical groups or electrons

Compounds

coenzyme Q
  • Specialized
1 6.2

A molecule in cells that helps make energy by transferring electrons

coenzyme A
  • Specialized
1 4.3

A small chemical in cells that helps make and break down fats, sugars, and parts of proteins

5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase
  • Specialized
9.9

An enzyme in the liver that helps make cholesterol

Surface Forms

coenzyme singular
coenzymes plural

Morphology

coenzyme = enzyme (semi-transparent) = co + enzyme + co

The form 'co-' + 'enzyme' clearly indicates a molecule that works with an enzyme, but the technical nuance (a non-protein carrier) is not fully deducible by an average learner.

Etymology

Coenzyme is made of co- 'together', as in cooperate, and enzyme. So a coenzyme is a small helper that works with an enzyme to make chemical reactions happen.