Background for cofactors

cofactors

/ˈkoʊfæktərz/ /ˈkoʊˌfæktərz/

Illustration cofactors - Image 1

noun

A contributing factor.

Examples :

"Several cofactors, such as lack of sleep and poor diet, contributed to her increased stress levels this week. "

aspect science function system

Illustration cofactors - Image 1

noun

A substance, especially a coenzyme or a metal, that must be present for an enzyme to function.

Examples :

"Many enzymes in our bodies need cofactors, like vitamins or minerals, to work properly and help digest our food. "

biochemistry biology chemistry substance physiology

Illustration cofactors - Image 1

noun

A molecule that binds to and regulates the activity of a protein.

Examples :

"Many enzymes in our body need cofactors, like vitamins and minerals, to work properly and speed up chemical reactions. "

biochemistry biology medicine chemistry

Illustration cofactors - Image 1

noun

The result of a number being divided by one of its factors.

Examples :

"When dividing 20 by 4, the cofactors are 5. "

Illustration cofactors - Image 1

noun

(of a matrix) The signed determinant of the submatrix produced by removing the row and column containing a specified element; primarily used in the recursive definition and calculation of the determinant of a matrix.

Examples :

"When calculating the determinant of a large matrix by hand, we often break it down into smaller problems using cofactors to simplify the process. "