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

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

Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for collagen synthesis and an effective antioxidant. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Selenium: This mineral is a cofactor to glutathione which means it is needed in the body to produce more glutathione. —Good Housekeeping, 10 Feb. 2023

Genetic studies also seemed to rule out any connection between genes affecting serotonin levels and depression, even when the researchers tried to consider stress as a possible cofactor. —Joanna Thompson, Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 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