CultureAugust 9, 2026
cofactors
KOH-fak-turz
Definition
Non-protein chemical compounds or metallic ions that are required for a biological enzyme to function correctly and catalyze chemical reactions.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'co-' (together) and 'factor' (doer or maker), the term entered biological terminology in the early 20th century to describe the 'helpers' necessary for chemical processes.
In the news
The article explains that existing red light-responsive systems in yeast often require additional cofactors to function, which the researchers sought to avoid to simplify their new y-iLight system.
Optogenetics: Controlling yeast with light
Read the full article ↗The Straits Times