coenzyme

American  

[koh-en-zahym] / koʊˈɛn zaɪm /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a molecule that provides the transfer site for biochemical reactions catalyzed by an enzyme.

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coenzyme British  

/ kəʊˈɛnzaɪm /

noun

1. biochem a nonprotein organic molecule that forms a complex with certain enzymes and is essential for their activity See also apoenzyme

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coenzyme Scientific  

/ kō-ĕn′zīm′ /

1. A nonprotein organic substance that usually contains a vitamin or mineral and combines with a specific protein, called an apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme system.

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Other Word Forms

• coenzymatic adjective
• coenzymatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of coenzyme

1905–10; < German Ko-enzym; see co-, enzyme

Compare meaning

How does coenzyme compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cofactor vs. coenzyme

Example Sentences

These included the amino acids cysteine and taurine, along with coenzyme M, which plays a key role in metabolism.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2025

My understanding is that European doctors often prescribe coenzyme Q10 along with statins.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

He was in the bottom 20% of the population for coenzyme q-10, a crucial catalyst for energy production.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2019

The other two carbon atoms form acetic acid and combine with a compound called coenzyme A to form acetyl CoA.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

The best known example of a coenzyme in plant tissues is in connection with the activity of the zymase of yeast cells.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred