Question

The name of the cofactors that carries CO₂ in most biological reactions is

Answer 1

Cofactors are non- protein substances which help a Protein ( an enzyme ) or a non- enzyme in a reaction.

Various Coenzymes that carry carbon dioxide in biological reactions are :

1. Ni--Fe-S Coenzyme : It is associated with Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase enzyme (CODH ). This enzyme is a key player in global Carbon Cycle in anaerobic microorganisms.This enzyme also carries interconversion of environmental polutant CO and green house gas CO​​​​​​​​​​​2​ .

2. Biotin also called vitamin - H or B​​​​​​7  : Primary biological role of biotin is to serve as enzyme Cofactor for transfer of carbon dioxide.

It is a Cofactor in a) carboxylation reactions as in Gluconeogenesis ,odd chain fatty acid synthesis and aminoacid synthesis. (b) decarboxylation reactions ,where carbon dioxide is released in the form of bicarbonate ion . This is seen in anaerobic bacteria.

3. Zinc (Zn​​​​​2+ ) : Zinc is a Cofactor seen with enzyme Carbonic anhydrase. This is present in human erythrocyte. In humans about 10% of Proteins contain Zinc as a Coenzyme.

4 .Mg​​​​​2+  (Magnesium ion) : In process of Photosynthesis it is involved with Rubilose bi Phosphate carboxylase (RuBPCO ) enzyme which fixes carbon dioxide and ultimately forms sugars.

RuBPCO is the most common enzyme existing on earth.