coenzyme

American  

[koh-en-zahym] / koʊˈɛn zaɪm /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a molecule that provides the transfer site for biochemical reactions catalyzed by an enzyme.

---

coenzyme British  

/ kəʊˈɛnzaɪm /

noun

1. biochem a nonprotein organic molecule that forms a complex with certain enzymes and is essential for their activity See also apoenzyme

---

coenzyme Scientific  

/ kō-ĕn′zīm′ /

1. A nonprotein organic substance that usually contains a vitamin or mineral and combines with a specific protein, called an apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme system.

---

Other Word Forms

• coenzymatic adjective
• coenzymatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of coenzyme

1905–10; < German Ko-enzym; see co-, enzyme

Compare meaning

How does coenzyme compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cofactor vs. coenzyme

Example Sentences

The mice showed higher levels of coenzyme NAD+, lower levels of ROS, and reduced levels of the cellular aging marker β-galactosidase.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2025

My understanding is that European doctors often prescribe coenzyme Q10 along with statins.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

In step five, a phosphate group is substituted for coenzyme A, and a high-energy bond is formed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

He was in the bottom 20% of the population for coenzyme q-10, a crucial catalyst for energy production.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2019

They can usually be separated from their corresponding enzymes by dialysis, the coenzyme passing through the parchment membrane.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred