Co-enzymes and co-factors

• Some enzymes require inorganic ions to function properly
• Particular inorganic ions may help to stabilise the structure of the enzyme or may actually take part in the reaction at the active site
• For example, chloride ions act as a cofactor for amylase. This means that in order for amylase to be able to digest starch into maltose, chloride ions must be present
• The inorganic ions that an enzyme requires in order to function are known as inorganic cofactors
• Larger organic (carbon-containing) cofactors are known as coenzymes
• Some coenzymes are permanently bound to the enzyme they assist, often in or near the active site, Some coenzymes only bind temporarily during the reaction
• Coenzymes are involved in carrying electrons or chemical groups between enzymes, aiding in catalysis 
• Coenzymes link different enzyme-catalysed reactions into a sequence during metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration
• Vitamins are an important source of coenzymes. For example, many vitamins in the B vitamin group are used in the production of important coenzymes