cofactor
UK[ˈkəʊˌfæktə]US[ˈkoʊˌfæktər]
n
A substance (such as a metal ion or a coenzyme) that must be associated with an enzyme for it to be active.
n
A number associated with an element in a square matrix, equal to the determinant of a smaller matrix formed by removing the row and column containing that element, with a sign determined by the element's position.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
factor
co
together
factor
agent
Etymology
The word 'cofactor' is a modern scientific compound, formed in English from the Latin-derived prefix 'co-' and the noun 'factor'. The prefix 'co-', meaning 'together', originates from the Latin preposition cum. The root 'factor' comes from the Latin agent noun factor, itself from the verb facere (to do or make), a foundational verb with Proto-Indo-European roots in dʰeh₁- (to put, place, set). Literally, a 'cofactor' is an element that works 'together' as an 'agent' or 'maker'. In biochemistry, this logic is clear: the cofactor is an essential partner that works jointly with the enzyme to make a reaction happen. In mathematics, it is a computed element that works together with others to determine a matrix's properties.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + factor (agent)
co: From Latin cum (with, together). A prefix indicating joint action or association.
factor: From Latin factor (one who does or makes, agent), from facere (to do, make). In English, it denotes an agent or element that contributes to a result.
Examples
Magnesium acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy production.
To find the inverse of the matrix, you first need to calculate the cofactor of each element.
The vitamin serves as a cofactor, without which the enzyme remains inactive.