Coenzymes are those compounds that are necessary so that enzymes can realize all the functions laid down in them by nature, including catalytic ones. In nature, coenzymes of vitamins carry atoms, electrons, some functional groups between substrates.
Terminology features
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze the chemical reactions inherent in the cells of any living tissue. The structure characteristic of enzymes: coenzymes, whose molecular weight is very small, and apoenzymes. Coenzymes and functional groups present in the structure of amino acid residues (they appear as a result of the presence of an apoenzyme) together create an enzyme active center capable of binding the substrate. According to the results of such a reaction involving non-protein molecules, a complex of substrate and enzyme is activated.
Coenzymes do not have catalytic parameters per se; they become active only when a complex is formed with the participation of an apoenzyme. Similar is characteristic of apoenzymes - these compounds alone do not provoke any chemical reactions and cannot activate anything. The formation of complexes, including coenzymes, apoenzymes, is a natural method for adjusting the enzymatic activity of the internal systems of a living organism.
Features of chemical processes
As it was possible to identify in the course of numerous studies, coenzyme Q10 is extremely important for humans and human health, at the same time it is necessary to take into account that enzymes in living tissues are only then subject to a catalytic effect, when an additional effect is on the part of inorganic compounds. In particular, it is precisely known that, in addition to coenzyme Q10, the body feels the need for positively charged potassium, zinc and magnesium ions. Metal cations can react with an apoenzyme, which leads to a correction of the structure of the enzyme, in particular, the active center.
In a chemical reaction involving a metal cation, an enzyme is activated, at the same time, such inorganic compounds are not included in the active enzyme center. However, science was able to detect a number of enzymes in which the functions of coenzymes are combined with the functions of the metal cations included in the compound. A good example is carbonic anhydrase, in the structure of which a positively charged zinc at the “two” base is found. The ion has an inorganic nature, it is necessary for the activation of a chemical reaction and received the name "cofactor" in science.
Coenzymes: specificity of functionality
As scientists were able to find out, coenzymes are those compounds that have two functional areas that are extremely important for maintaining the body’s vital functions. These elements are also known in the scientific community as reactive sites. On the one hand, their task is to form a bond with apoenzymes; at the same time, due to this site, a bond with the substrate is formed. Coenzymes are a huge variety of organic compounds that have relatively similar functions. For most of the detected substances, the presence of conjugated pi bonds and heteroatoms is characteristic. Often coenzymes are those compounds that include vitamins (as an element of the molecule).
Depending on the specifics of interaction with apoenzymes, it is customary to talk about prosthetic, soluble enzymes. Considering typical examples of coenzymes, one can, for example, recall riboflavin. This is a classic example of the category of soluble compounds. Coenzyme can become part of the enzyme molecule during the course of a chemical reaction, while undergoing transformation, which results in freedom. The form in which coenzyme (coenzyme) has become part of a chemical interaction is regenerated in an independent reaction (it proceeds second). The substrate also takes part in all stages of the reaction, on the basis of which some scientists propose to consider soluble coenzymes as substrates. Another part of the scientific community conflicts with them, arguing this with the following fact: the substrate in this reaction only reacts with a certain enzyme, and soluble coenzyme is capable of interacting with numerous enzymes of its class. By examples, all this can be observed if we consider in detail the chemical characteristics of the chain of interactions characteristic of the coenzyme of vitamin B2 riboflavin.
And on the other hand?
The prosthetic group includes such coenzymes, which are characterized by very strong bonds with apoenzymes. As a rule, they are formed by a covalent type. When a chemical reaction occurs, and also after it, coenzymes are located in the enzyme center. The substrate is released, the regeneration process is started, which requires interaction with the substrate or another coenzyme.
If a certain enzyme provokes and enhances an oxidative, reduction reaction, a chemical interaction in which reducing equivalents are transferred (electrons, protons can play their role), it needs coenzyme for full-fledged work. Similarly, enzymes that provoke the activation of the transfer reaction cannot function without the use of coenzymes. Based on this fact, a system was introduced to classify coenzymes into a transfer group and oxidative, reducing.
Coenzymes: some features
A rather impressive percentage of coenzymes known to science are derivatives of vitamins. If in a living organism there are metabolic problems affecting the molecules of vitamins, this is often associated with low enzyme activity.
It is important!
As it was possible to identify during the experiments, coenzymes in their bulk have temperature stability, but the features of chemical reactions inherent in them differ quite strongly. The chemical structure of coenzymes also vary greatly. Scientists are particularly interested in the group of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides. The specificity of a particular catalytic reaction determines the role in this coenzyme. In some cases, it acts as a typical representative of a prosthetic group, but sometimes leaves the enzyme center under the influence of ongoing chemical processes.
Enzymes and coenzymes: one does not exist without the other
Biochemical reactions are carried out with the participation of numerous assistants, otherwise the complex mechanism of the chemical interaction of living tissues proceeds with violations. An enzyme, in its structure, a complex or simple protein, needs minerals, coenzymes, vitamins. Coenzymes are coenzyme Q10, derivatives of various vitamins, as well as folic acid. Particular attention in medicine is currently attracted by coenzymes produced by group B vitamins.
Coenzyme is necessary so that the cell can produce energy and release it to the body to ensure vital functions. Moreover, energy is spent not only on physical activity. We must not forget that an impressive amount of energy requires mental activity, the work of all kinds of glands, the digestive system. Quite expensive for energy are the processes of absorption of beneficial elements that enter the body through the digestive tract and in other ways. The process of assimilation also consumes the body’s energy reserves, formed due to coenzymes and their participation in reactions with enzymes. By the way, even the blood flow, and he is provided with just such reactions, without them, our blood simply could not flow through the vessels!
The secrets of biology
Coenzyme is such a specific substance, thanks to which a living organism has energy for the implementation of internal processes. The human body, as scientists have been able to calculate, contains about a hundred trillion cells, each of which generates energy to maintain normal life. In this case, the cell does not consume those substances that a person receives with food in order to replenish energy reserves, but first of all independently produces energy. External sources are a backup option, which is resorted to in case of insufficient self-generation of energy.
The biological characteristics of the cells of the human body are such that they have everything necessary for the production of energetically enriched complex compounds. Scientists called them adenosine phosphates. For this, fats, carbohydrates, proteins are oxidized. It is such catalytic reactions that provoke the release of heat, with the help of which tissues function normally. ATP molecules are also a repository of energy generated by cells. Any internal cellular process that consumes energy can turn to this molecule for the intended "portion".
At the cellular level
Each cell is a complex structure, which contains mitochondria (intracellular structures). It is the mitochondria that are the most active cell part, since they are responsible for the production of energy. Inside mitochondria are chains formed of electrons to generate energy. The process involves numerous sequential chemical reactions, which result in the production of adenosine phosphate molecules.
The chains composed of electrons inside the mitochondria quite actively interact with the vitamins of groups C, B, E. Coenzyme Q10 attracts special attention of scientists. This compound has no analogues and substitutes, its insufficiency in the body provokes serious metabolic problems. Without this coenzyme, a cell cannot produce energy, which means it dies.
Coenzyme Q10
Fats can dissolve Q10, whereby the coenzyme is able to move inside the cell membrane. This imposes on the compound especially important functions of ensuring electron transfer in energy generation processes. Q10 is a mobile unit through which enzymes in a chemical chain bind to each other. If a pair of electrons is supposed to be connected in a chain, they must first interact with coenzyme Q10.
Q10 molecules are in a continuous movement within the cell - from enzyme to enzyme. This allows the transfer of electrons between enzymes. To some extent, the cage can be compared to a tiny motor. For the processing of organic material from which energy is extracted, coenzyme Q10 is needed, which is comparable to the spark that starts the operation of a conventional motor.
Q10 Cell Specificity
Coenzyme Q10 takes an active part in energy generation, and the speed of movement of this compound inside the cell tissue regulates both the number of ATP molecules produced and the speed of movement within the electron chain. It is important that the mitochondria have the optimal amount of coenzyme so that the reaction is not too strong or too weak.
If coenzyme Q10 is deficient in the body, ATP is produced at a significantly lower concentration. This leads to a reduction in energy reserves of cells. In everyday life, this is reflected as follows: a person quickly, gets very tired, is faced with malfunctions in the work of various body systems that are forced to deal with increased stress. The likelihood of developing serious pathologies is growing. It should be remembered that different organs are characterized by a different amount of Q10.
Protect your health!
In order not to run into serious violations of the activity of internal systems longer, it is necessary to provide energy sources to your body. The highest energy consumption is characteristic of the organs that produce energy - this is the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas. The amount of coenzyme Q10 determines the quality of functioning of each of these organs at the cellular level. Through coenzyme, cellular respiration is provided , and the lack of this compound negatively affects biological processes. Modern medicine knows several ways to maintain normal levels of coenzyme Q10 in the human body.