Enzymes/Coenzymes

Enzymes/Coenzymes: A recent published paper by Chinese Academy of Sciences titled ‘Gene-edited plants make the jump from farm to factory’, highlighted a breakthrough in Enzymes or Coenzymes (CoQ10) Bio-fortification in rice.

• About: Enzymes are proteins that catalyse reactions in a cell, making metabolism efficient.

o Cofactors are molecules required by many enzymes for efficient functioning.

o Coenzymes are naturally occurring organic molecules that bind to and support the activity of enzymes.

o Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) is a molecule with several isoprene units that act as antioxidants and provide stability against stress.

o Ubiquinone is present in every cell membrane and is crucial for energy production.

o CoQ exists in 10 types (CoQ1 to CoQ10), each being a lipid-soluble, and water-insoluble antioxidant molecule in the respiratory chain.

o Coenzymes play a vital role in the mitochondrial function, the major energy producer in the cell.

• About CoQ9 in Plants: Has nine isoprene units, is produced by most cereal crops.

o Rich in wheat, rice, oats, barley, corn, rye, and millet.

o Also found in bamboo, barley, and flowering plants such as cinnamon, avocado, and pepper.

• Importance of CoQ10 in Humans: It is a part of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, generating most of the body’s cellular energy.

o Organs such as the heart, with high energy demands, contain high concentrations of CoQ10.

o CoQ9 is rich in daily foods like rice, wheat, and maize.

o Humans need more CoQ10 due to genetic factors, ageing, and neurological problems.