Difference Between a Coenzyme and a Cofactor

Enzymes are important proteins in the body, helping to regulate metabolism and control chemical reactions in the body. Coenzymes and cofactors are also instrumental in these processes.

Function

• Coenzymes and cofactors combine with enzymes to catalyze (bring about or alter) chemical reactions. Many enzymes require coenzymes and cofactors to achieve chemical reactions.

Examples

• Digestion is a chemical reaction that breaks large food molecules into small molecules. When sugar metabolizes into different compounds and releases energy, more chemical reactions are occurring. Enzymes are integral to both of these processes.

Comparison

• Coenzymes and cofactors serve the same function. They cause or regulate the speed of chemical reactions. The difference between the two is that coenzymes are organic substances, while cofactors are inorganic.