A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme's role as a catalyst. Cofactors can be considered "helper molecules" that assist in biochemical transformations. The rates at which these happen are characterized in an area of study called enzyme kinetics. Cofactors typically differ from ligands in that they often derive their function by remaining bound.
Cofactors can be classified into two types: inorganic ions and complex organic molecules called coenzymes. Coenzymes are mainly derived from vitamins and other organic essential nutrients in small amounts (some definitions limit the use of the term "cofactor" for inorganic substances; both types are included here).
