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prosthetic group
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prosthetic group

biochemistry
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Quick Summary

A prosthetic group is a nonprotein component that is essential for an enzyme's biological activity. Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, and many require cofactors to function. When a cofactor is firmly attached to an enzyme, it's called a prosthetic group. These often contain metal atoms like copper or iron.1

Prosthetic groups can be linked to a protein molecule by covalent or noncovalent bonds. In some cases, like with metalloproteins, a metal ion serves as the prosthetic group, acting as a central point for other groups to bind. Examples of enzymes that use cofactors, including prosthetic groups, are cytochrome c oxidase and carbonic anhydrase.21

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. cofactor
  2. protein - Mucoproteins and glycoproteins
  3. enzyme

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