Visual and Listening Activity:
Indeed enzymes play a vital role in our body as we live. They aid our body in fighting germs, they are
useful for digestion, and for our metabolism. And enzymes itself has components namely Apoenzyme,
Holoenzyme, Cofactor and Coenzyme. Let’s start with cofactors. Cofactors or non protein components
are essential for some enzymes to carry out biological reaction. An enzyme along with its cofactor is
called holoenzyme. If an enzyme looses their necessary cofactor then it will be called apoenzyme. Let’s
pretend that a certain enzyme such as a DNA polymerase requires magnesium ions for its function. If
this certain enzyme will be along with magnesium ions then it is called a holoenzyme. While, if this
certain enzyme will not have a magnesium ions then it is a apoenzyme. These cofactors can either be
organic molecules or inorganic molecules. Inorganic cofactors are largely metal ions, which are required
for its activity. For an instance, an enzyme like carbonic anhydrase requires zinc ions as its cofactor at its
active site. While in the organic cofactors can be either tightly bound with the enzyme or released free
after the reaction is being complete. The tightly bound organic cofactor is called prosthetic group. While,
the organic cofactor that is being released after the process of catalysis is called coenzyme. Most of
these coenzymes can not be synthesized by the body and are derived from vitamins. NADH, NADPH,
FAD are examples of coenzymes.
These whole ethics about an enzyme is such an important information for me. It reminds me that every
matter counts. An enzyme is protein macromolecule, if you imagine it’s bigger than a usual molecule
but it is still tiny a matter. And yet, there’s a lot of process happens within. Through its components I
learned and realized valuable lessons. In chasing after your goals in life you may think of these of
components of an enzyme. First one are the Apoenzymes, these are inactive enzymes or enzymes that
lack their necessary cofactor(s) for proper functioning. Activation of the enzyme occurs upon binding of
an organic or inorganic cofactor. It reminds me that in chasing after your dreams, we all start inactive,
we all start empty handed, so we need to strive for our dreams. The next are cofactors, it is mentioned
that these are essential for enzymes’ activity as a catalyst and it is considered as a “helper molecule”
that assist in biochemical transformations. In chasing after your dreams you need be fully aware that
you are essential in this world, you are valid and you should be a helper to uplift others, . Act like the
enzyme component which is cofactor. As we add cofactor to an inactive enzyme (apoenzyme) it will be
called a holoenzyme. These component reminds me that from being empty handed or being inactive to
realizing that you are essential, you’ll be able to be active to chase after your dreams—like an
holoenzyme. Lastly are coenzymes, in turn, support the functions of enzymes. They loosely bind to
enzymes to help them complete their activities. Coenzymes are nonprotein, organic molecules that
facilitate the catalysis, or reaction, of its enzyme. It reminds me that you should be able to support and
assist others and your family as well. And you will able achieve your desires.
Let as always remember that even you was born unprivileged of being wealthy. You should start
investing from hardwork and perseverance. Activation for yourself, mentally, physically, emotionally,
socially and spiritually are always been the key.
