| A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound. | A coenzyme is a specific type of cofactor that is organic. |
| Cofactors can be inorganic or organic molecules. | Coenzymes are exclusively organic molecules. |
| Inorganic cofactors include metal ions like Mg²⁺ or Fe²⁺. | Coenzymes often include vitamins or derivatives like NAD⁺. |
| Cofactors bind to enzymes to assist in catalysis. | Coenzymes bind loosely to enzymes and are often carriers of specific atoms or functional groups. |
| Cofactors are not consumed in the reaction. | Coenzymes are typically altered during the reaction. |
| Cofactors can be permanently bound to the enzyme. | Coenzymes are usually transiently bound and may need to be regenerated. |
| Cofactors can stabilize enzyme structure. | Coenzymes often serve as intermediate carriers of electrons or chemical groups. |
| The role of a cofactor is often structural or catalytic. | The role of a coenzyme is to transfer chemical groups from one substrate to another. |
| Some cofactors are essential for enzyme activity. | Coenzymes often act as a secondary substrate in enzymatic reactions. |
| Cofactors may include both organic and inorganic molecules. | Coenzymes are exclusively organic and are usually derived from vitamins. |
