A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound necessary for an enzyme's biological function. Carboxypeptidase, an enzyme that cleaves amino acid residues from the carboxyl end of peptide chains, relies on a specific metal ion cofactor for its functionality and catalytic activity.
For carboxypeptidase, the cofactor is: Zinc
Zinc ions (Zn2+) are vital for carboxypeptidase's enzymatic action. They stabilize the enzyme-substrate complex and directly participate in peptide bond hydrolysis, coordinating water molecules for catalysis.
This dependence on zinc as a cofactor is characteristic of metalloprotease enzymes, including carboxypeptidase. The absence of zinc significantly impairs carboxypeptidase's function and efficiency, highlighting the metal's indispensable role.