What are the organic nonprotein components that assist in enzyme function called?

The organic nonprotein components that assist in enzyme function are referred to as coenzymes. These molecules play a crucial role in the catalytic activity of enzymes by helping to transport and transfer specific atoms or functional groups from one substrate to another during the biochemical reactions they facilitate. Coenzymes often serve as carriers for various essential components needed in metabolic reactions; examples include vitamins such as B-vitamins that are integral to the function of certain enzymes.

In contrast, substrates are the specific reactants upon which an enzyme acts, while cofactors can be either organic or inorganic molecules that assist enzymes but are not necessarily derived from vitamins. Prosthetic groups are tightly bound to the enzyme and are essential for activity, but they differ from coenzymes in that they don't dissociate during the reaction. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique role coenzymes play in enhancing enzyme function and enabling complex biochemical processes.