Enzymes are primarily made of protein molecules , which consist of one or more chains of amino acids called polypeptide chains. The sequence of these amino acids determines the enzyme's specific three-dimensional structure and function. Additionally, some enzymes require non-protein components called cofactors, which can be organic molecules (coenzymes, often vitamins) or inorganic metal ions, to be catalytically active.
In summary:
- The main molecular type of enzymes is proteins.
- Enzymes are made up of amino acid chains linked by peptide bonds.
- Some enzymes also need cofactors or coenzymes for activity.
- Certain RNA molecules called ribozymes also have enzymatic activity but are exceptions.
This means enzymes are fundamentally protein molecules composed of amino acids, sometimes with additional non-protein groups for full function.
