Cofactors are non-protein compounds or metal ions required for enzyme catalysis. Cofactors can be inorganic ions or complex organic molecules called coenzymes. Coenzymes are derived from vitamins and can be prosthetic groups or cosubstrates. Many cofactors contain nucleotide AMP as part of their structure
Purine is a heterocyclic aromatic compound with pyrimidine and imidazole rings. It is water-soluble and has four tautomers with different nitrogen atoms. Fischer coined the term "purine" in 1884 and synthesized it in 1898
Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides join by glycosidic linkage. Common examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Most disaccharides have 12 carbon atoms with formula C12H22O11. They are soluble in water and form glycosidic bonds
Gluconeogenesis synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates. Mainly occurs in liver and kidney cortex of vertebrates. Used to maintain blood sugar levels in humans and animals
Gibbs free energy is maximum non-pressure-volume work possible in closed systems at constant temperature and pressure. It provides necessary conditions for chemical reactions under these conditions. Maximum work can only be achieved in completely reversible processes
Denaturation occurs when proteins lose their native structure and bioactivity. Can be caused by heat, pH extremes, salt, solvents, or chemical agents. Primary structure remains intact, secondary and tertiary structures are altered. Denatured proteins lose solubility and can aggregate. Enzymes lose their ability to catalyze chemical reactions when denatured