Examples of Coenzymes

Coenzymes is an organic molecule that binds to enzyme’s active site and assist in catalytic reactions.

20 Examples of Coenzymes

Here are few examples of Coenzymes:

1.  Coenzyme A (CoA)

Source: Derived from vitamin B5

Function: Transfers acyl groups for metabolic cycles like fatty acid synthesis and oxidation.

2.  Tetrahydrofolic Acid (Coenzyme F)

Source: Derivative of folic acid (Vitamin B9)

Function: Plays role in amino acid and purine synthesis by transmitting methyl, formyl, methylene, and formimino groups.

3.  Vitamin K

Source: Different forms including Vitamin K1 from plants, Vitamin K2 from bacteria, and Vitamin K3 synthetic

Function: Activates blood clotting factors and osteocalcins, essential for coagulation.

4.   Cofactor F420

Source: Derived from flavin

Function: Involved in electron transport during detox reactions; vital for methanogenesis, sulfitoreduction, and oxygen detoxification.

5.   Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH and NAD+)

Source: Tryptophan or aspartic acid

Function: Participant in redox reactions; NAD+ acts as an oxidant and electron acceptor, NADH serves as a reducing agent and electron donor.

6.    Lipoic Acid

Source: Derived from octanoic fatty acid

Function: Utilization of glucose, activation of antioxidants.

7.   Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Source: Produced by cells

Function: Universal energy currency, used for cellular reactions and RNA synthesis.

8.  S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM)

Source: Composed of ATP and methionine

Function: Transfers methyl groups, has potential benefits in Alzheimer’s prevention.

9.  Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Source: Ubiquitous in mitochondrial cells

Function: Essential for aerobic cellular respiration, energy production, antioxidant properties.

10.  Glutathione (GSH)

Source: Synthesized in liver, can be produced by cells

Function: Antioxidant, protects cells from damage and toxins, associated with diabetes and neurological diseases.

11.     Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Source: Dietary intake

Function: Powerful antioxidant, crucial for various bodily functions, prevents scurvy.

12.     Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Source: Dietary intake

Function: Metabolism of carbohydrates, deficiency leads to beriberi and Korsakoff syndrome.

13.     Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)

Source: Essential coenzyme

Function: Needed for nitric oxide synthesis and aromatic amino acid hydroxylation, deficiency linked to neurotransmitter loss.

14.  Biocytin

Source: Occurs naturally in blood serum and urine

Function: Essential for carbon dioxide transfer, used in nerve cell research.

15.  Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Source: Naturally found in milk, rice, and green vegetables

Function: Key in energy metabolism and flavoprotein function.

16.  Nucleotide Sugars

Function: Donors of monosaccharide sugars, essential for building nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

17.     Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Source: Dietary intake from various foods

Function: Involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, energy production.

18.  Vitamin H (Biotin)

Source: Synthesized by intestinal bacteria

Function: Essential for fat and amino acid degradation.

19.  Coenzyme B

Function: Vital for redox reactions in methane generation by microbes.

20.  Cytidine Triphosphate

Function: High-energy molecule, important for DNA and RNA synthesis.