cofactor

noun

co·​fac·​tor ˈkō-ˌfak-tər 

1

: the signed minor of an element of a square matrix or of a determinant with the sign positive if the sum of the column number and row number of the element is even and with the sign negative if it is odd

2

: a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects

especially : coenzyme

3

: something (such as diet or a virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease

Examples of cofactor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to its effects on DNA, magnesium has been identified as a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems in the body, including those that regulate blood pressure, control blood glucose levels, and ensure proper nerve function. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024

Manganese is necessary for energy metabolism and immune function, while copper acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, iron metabolism, and more.1112 4. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Dean cites scientific research that has found 80% of metabolic functions involve magnesium as a cofactor, including facilitating fat metabolism, controlling blood pressure, and normalizing hormone secretion. —Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 14 June 2024

Enzymes that break down vitamin D need magnesium as a cofactor to carry out enzymatic reactions. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

Such roles are being a cofactor in over 300 enzyme reactions, helping with muscle and nerve function, blood pressure control, blood sugar control and even protein synthesis [21]. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

These cofactors play a crucial role in enhancing the absorption and utilization of calcium by the body. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023

Additionally, vitamin C can help protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals and serves as a cofactor in many crucial enzymatic functions throughout the body. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022

The most common cause is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition where the body cannot make a cofactor to help absorb vitamin B12. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 14 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

cofactor

noun

co·​fac·​tor ˈkō-ˌfak-tər 

1

: a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects

especially : coenzyme

2

: something (as a diet or virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease

Infection with the HPV virus is an important cofactor in cervical cancer, but very few people infected with HPV will ever get cervical cancer.

—Elissa Mendenhall, Mothering