coenzyme

American  

[koh-en-zahym] / koʊˈɛn zaɪm /

noun

Biochemistry.

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

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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

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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.

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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

See Examples For:

coenzyme

These included the amino acids cysteine and taurine, along with coenzyme M, which plays a key role in metabolism.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 3, 2025

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

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 10, 2024

Vitamin C is a coenzyme for multiple enzymes that take part in building the important connective tissue component, collagen.

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 Roscoe Wilfred Thatcher