What are coenzymes?

Answer 1

Coenzymes are small organic non-protein molecules that carry chemical groups between enzymes.[1] Coenzymes are sometimes referred to as cosubstrates. These molecules are substrates for enzymes and do not form a permanent part of the enzymes' structures.

Answer 2

First you need to understand what enzymes & coenzymes are before you can understand how they help metabolism. :)

Enzymes are proteins that increase the rates of chemical reactions (Catalysis) within the body. Pretty much all biological cells need enzymes to control these chemical reactions. Some enzymes have coenzymes loosely or tightly attached to them, and they help to carry out the catalysis. These coenzymes transport certain chemicals from one enzyme to another. Coenzymes also act electron 'acceptors'. This is important because these electrons are the ones being transferred during the chemical reaction.

Metabolism is the process of chemical reactions to sustain life by making energy from food. Because metabolism has many different chemical reactions, many of them need special transfers. How these special transfers occur, are by coenzymes. Therefore, coenzymes basically allow the process of metabolism to occur, by being a catalyst for certain chemical reactions (synthesis of energy).

Answer 3

Coenzymes are organic molecules, and a non-protein component of enzymes. They help carry out catalysis.