Question

The essential chemical components of many coenzymes are
A. Proteins.
B. Nucleic acid.
C. Carbohydrates.
D. Vitamins.

Answer 1

The coenzymes are non-protein small molecules that when combined with proteins helps in the functioning of enzymes. They themselves do not catalyze the reaction but indirectly direct the catalyzes of a reaction. For example, NADP or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate is a universal electron carrier.

Complete step by step answer: The coenzymes are essential molecules that work in the functioning of enzymes. They stimulate or activate the enzymes to start catalyzes of a reaction. Enzymes without coenzymes are inactive or non-functional. The attachment of the coenzyme to the active site of the enzyme makes it to function efficiently. Just like enzymes, the coenzymes can also be reused and recycled.
Coenzymes are non-protein molecules consisting of carbon. Most of the coenzymes are vitamin derivatives or vitamins themselves act as coenzymes. Some coenzymes are nucleotide derivatives.
Let us see from the above-given options that which of them is an essential chemical component of coenzymes.
Option A is Proteins. It is clear from the above discussion that coenzymes are non-protein organic
molecules. Thus, this option is incorrect.
Option B is Nucleic acid. Some of the coenzymes are derived from nucleotides like ATP but not from nucleic acids like DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids are large molecules that have a general function of storing information to direct or control the cell. Enzymes act on the nucleic acids or their products to catalyze various metabolic processes. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
Option C is Carbohydrates. This is also incorrect as coenzymes do not consist of carbohydrates.
Option D is Vitamins. All of the coenzymes are derived from vitamins majorly. Coenzymes like Coenzyme A and Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide are derived from vitamins $B3$ and $B5$ respectively. All of the water-soluble vitamins that are vitamin C and B complex vitamins are involved in the production of coenzymes.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Note: When enzymes denature the coenzymes are unable to attach to them. Thus, this causes improper functioning in the body. The deficiency of vitamins also leads to an imbalance in the body as they are the major source for the production of coenzymes.