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Cofactors

Meaning

Cofactors are non-protein chemical components, encompassing inorganic ions like magnesium or zinc, and organic molecules known as coenzymes, which are indispensable for the catalytic activity of numerous enzymes. These molecular auxiliaries bind to an enzyme, enabling it to perform specific biochemical transformations that are vital for cellular function and systemic homeostasis. In the endocrine system, cofactors are essential for the synthesis, activation, and metabolism of virtually all hormones. A nutritional deficiency in a key cofactor can compromise the efficiency of critical enzymatic pathways, leading to measurable hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunction.