# Cofactor --- **Cofactors** are "helper molecules" that either enhance or are essential for [[enzyme|enzyems]] to catalyze certain [[chemical reaction|reactions]]. Where enzymes are proteins, cofactors are *non-protein chemical compounds* or a *metallic ion*.[^1] ![[cofactor.png]] [^1]: an **apoenzyme** is an enzyme that is inactive because it lacks it's needed coenzyme ## Types Cofactors are either inorganic minerals, or organic molecules called [[#coenzymes]]. **Inorganic cofactors** are like iron in [[red blood cells]]. Cofactors do not bind with the enzymes that they help work. Organic cofactors are called **coenzymes**, and they are mostly derived from [[vitamin|vitamins]] (particularly B vitamins) or other organic essential nutrients. Unlike the inorganic cofactors, coenzymes *do* bind with their enzymes. Notable coenzymes: [[coenzyme q]] [[coenzyme a]] ___