Definition of Prosthetic Group



The prosthetic group is defined as a non-protein structure that is bound tightly to a protein. This group is required for the proper biological functioning and activity of an enzyme or a protein. The prosthetic group may belong to the class of organic or inorganic compounds but is not essentially composed of amino acids.

 


The examples of the organic prosthetic group include vitamins, sugars, lipids, etc. and that of inorganic are metal ions such as heme group present in the structure of haemoglobin. These groups are present in the active site in the case of enzymes and play a pivotal role in their proper functioning.


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