Comparison between Apoenzyme and Holoenzyme

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

 

Let me share with you a comparison between Apoenzyme and Holoenzyme.

AspectApoenzymeHoloenzyme
IntroductionInactive enzyme without its cofactor.Active enzyme with its cofactor.
Need of cofactor Requires a cofactor for activation.Contains the necessary cofactor for its activity.
ActivityInactive or has significantly reduced activity.Active and capable of catalyzing reactions.
CompositionProtein component only.Protein component (apoprotein) + Cofactor (coenzyme or metal ion) = Holoenzyme.
ActivationBecomes active upon binding with a cofactor.Constitutively active due to cofactor presence.
RoleServes as a precursor to the active enzyme.Represents the fully functional, catalytically active form of the enzyme.
RegulationRegulation often involves the addition of cofactors to convert apoenzyme to holoenzyme.Regulation may involve changes in cofactor availability or modulation of holoenzyme activity.
Examples·        Apo-cytochrome c

·        Apo-ribonuclease

·        Holo-cytochrome c (with heme)

·        Holo-ribonuclease (with zinc ion)