Coenzymes are small molecules of a non-protein nature. Structure and application of coenzymes
Coenzymes are such compounds that are necessary for enzymes to be able to realize all the functions inherent in them, including catalytic ones. In nature, coenzymes of vitamins carry atoms, electrons, some functional groups between substrates.
Features of terminology
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze the chemical reactions inherent in the cells of any living tissue. The structure inherent in enzymes: coenzymes, whose molecular mass is very low, and apoenzymes. Coenzymes and functional groups present in the structure of amino acid residues( they appear as a consequence of the presence of an apoenzyme) jointly create an enzyme active site capable of binding the substrate. Based on the results of such a reaction with the participation of non-protein molecules, a complex of substrate and enzyme is activated.
Coenzymes do not have catalytic parameters by themselves, they become active only when a complex is formed with the participation of apoenzyme. The same is true of apoenzymes - these compounds do not in themselves provoke any chemical reactions and can not activate anything. Formation of complexes, including coenzymes, apoenzymes - a natural method of correcting the enzymatic activity of internal systems of a living organism.
Features of chemical processes
As it has been possible to identify in numerous studies, coenzyme Q10 is extremely important for human and human health, at the same time it must be taken into account that enzymes in living tissues are only then subject to catalytic effect when the additional effect is from the side of inorganic compounds. In particular, it is precisely known that, in addition to coenzyme Q10, the body experiences the need for positively charged ions of potassium, zinc and magnesium. Metal cations can react with the apoenzyme, which leads to a correction of the structure of the enzyme, in particular, the active site.
In the case of a chemical reaction involving a metal cation, the enzyme is activated, while such inorganic compounds do not enter 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 that make up the compound. A good example is carbonic anhydrase, in the structure of which positively charged zinc is found on the basis of "two".The ion has an inorganic nature, it is necessary for activation of a chemical reaction and has received in science the name "cofactor".
Coenzyme: specificity of functionality
As it was possible to clarify to the scientist, coenzymes are such compounds, which are inherent in two extremely important for maintaining the vital functions of the body of the functional area. These elements are also known in the scientific community as reactive sites. On the one hand, their task is the formation of a connection with apoenzymes, simultaneously with this site a connection with the substrate is formed. Coenzymes are a huge variety of organic compounds with relatively similar functions. For most of the substances found, there is a presence of conjugated pi bonds, heteroatoms. Often, coenzymes are compounds that contain vitamins( as an element of a molecule).
Depending on the specific interaction with apoenzymes, it is customary to speak of prosthetic, soluble enzymes. Considering the typical examples of coenzymes, you can, for example, remember about riboflavin. This is a classic example of the category of soluble compounds. Coenzyme can become part of the enzyme molecule during the course of the chemical reaction, while undergoing transformation, which results in the freedom. The form in which coenzyme( coenzyme) has become part of the chemical interaction, is regenerated in an independent reaction( it proceeds second).The substrate also participates 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 by the following fact: the substrate in this reaction reacts only in the presence of a certain enzyme, and the soluble coenzyme is capable of interacting with numerous enzymes of its class. By way of examples, all this can be observed by examining in detail the chemical features of the chain of interactions characteristic of the co-enzyme of vitamin B2 riboflavin.
And on the other hand?
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, the coenzymes are located in the enzyme center. The substrate is released, the regeneration process is started, for which it is necessary to interact with the substrate or other coenzyme.
If some enzyme provokes and intensifies an oxidative, reducing reaction, a chemical interaction in which the replacement equivalents are transferred( their role can be played by electrons, protons), it needs a coenzyme for full-fledged operation. Similarly, enzymes that provoke the activation of the transfer reaction can not function without the use of coenzymes. On the basis of this fact, a system for classifying coenzymes into a transfer group and oxidizing and reducing ones was introduced.
Coenzyme: some features of
Quite an impressive percentage of known coenzymes known to science are derivatives of vitamins. If there are metabolic problems in the living body that affect the molecules of vitamins, this is often associated with low enzyme activity.
This is important!
As it was possible to reveal during the experiments, coenzymes in their main mass have a temperature stability, but the peculiarities of chemical reactions peculiar to them differ quite strongly. The chemical structure of coenzymes is also very different. Particular attention of scientists is attracted by a group of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides. The specificity of a particular catalytic reaction determines the role of this coenzyme in it. In a number of cases, it acts like a typical representative of a prosthetic group, but sometimes leaves the enzyme center under the influence of ongoing chemical processes.
Enzymes and coenzymes: one without the other does not exist
Biochemical reactions are realized with the participation of numerous assistants, otherwise the complex mechanism of the chemical interaction of living tissues proceeds with disturbances. The enzyme, in its structure is complex or simple protein, requires minerals, coenzymes, vitamins. Coenzymes are coenzyme Q10, derivatives of various vitamins, as well as folic acid. Special attention in medicine is currently attracted by coenzymes produced by group B vitamins.
Coenzyme is necessary for the cell to be able to produce energy and release it to the body for life support. And energy is spent not only on physical activity. We must not forget that the impressive amounts of energy require mental activity, the work of various glands, the digestive system. Energy absorption processes of useful elements that enter the body through the digestive tract and in other ways are quite costly for energy. The process of assimilation also consumes the energy reserves of the body, formed due to coenzymes and their participation in reactions with enzymes. By the way, even blood flow, and that is provided with such reactions, without them our blood simply could not flow through the blood vessels!
Secrets of Biology
Coenzyme is a specific substance through which a living organism has energy for the realization of internal processes. The human body, as the scientists could 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 along with nutrition in order to replenish energy reserves, but primarily produces energy independently. External sources are a reserve option, which is resorted to in case of insufficient self-development of energy.
The biological characteristics of cells in the human body are such that they have everything they need to produce energetically enriched complex compounds. Scientists called them adenosine phosphates. For this, fats, carbohydrates, proteins are oxidized. It is these catalytic reactions that provoke the release of heat, with the use of which the tissues normally function. Molecules of ATP are also a storehouse of energy generated by cells. Any internal cellular process that consumes energy can refer to this molecule for the prescribed "portion".
At the cellular level
Each cell is a complex structure, in which mitochondria( intracellular structures) are present. It is the mitochondria that are the most active cellular part, since they are responsible for the production of energy. Within the mitochondria are formed chains of electrons for energy production. The process implies numerous consecutive chemical reactions, resulting in the production of adenosine phosphate molecules.
The chains composed of electrons inside the mitochondria interact quite actively with the vitamins of the group C, B, E. Special attention is attracted to scientists by coenzyme Q10.This compound has no analogues and substitutes, its insufficiency in the body provokes serious metabolic problems. Without this coenzyme, the cell can not produce energy, which means it dies.
Coenzyme Q10
Fats can dissolve Q10, which allows coenzyme to move inside the cell membrane. This imposes on the connection particularly important functions to ensure the transfer of electrons in the processes of energy generation. Q10 is a mobile link through which the enzymes of the 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 continuous movement inside the cell - from the enzyme to the enzyme. This allows the transfer of electrons between enzymes. To some extent, the cell 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 with the spark that triggers the activity of a conventional motor.
Specific influence on cell Q10
Coenzyme Q10 takes an active part in energy generation, and the speed of movement of this compound inside the cellular tissues regulates both the number of ATP molecules produced and the speed of movement inside the electron chain. It is important that the mitochondria have an optimal amount of coenzyme, so that the reaction is not too strong or too weak.
If the body lacks coenzyme Q10, ATP is produced at a significantly lower concentration. This leads to a reduction in the energy reserves of cells. In everyday life, this is reflected as follows: a person quickly, very tired, faces problems in the work of a variety of body systems that are forced to deal with increased stress. There is a growing likelihood of serious pathologies. It should be remembered that for different organs there is a different amount of Q10.
To protect your health!
To avoid serious violations of internal systems for a longer time, you need to provide your body with energy sources. The greatest energy expenditure is characteristic of the organs that produce energy - the heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas. The amount of coenzyme Q10 determines the quality of functioning of each of these organs at the cellular level. Cellular respiration is provided through coenzyme, and the lack of this compound strongly adversely affects biological processes. Modern medicine knows several ways to maintain the level of coenzyme Q10 in the human body is normal.