What is the primary function of coenzymes?

Coenzymes primarily function as transient carriers of functional groups during enzymatic reactions. They often assist enzymes by transporting specific chemical groups from one substrate to another, facilitating various biochemical processes. For example, in metabolic pathways, coenzymes like NAD+ and CoA are crucial for the transfer of electrons or acyl groups, respectively.

This temporary association allows coenzymes to play a critical role in the catalytic process without becoming a permanent part of the enzyme structure. This is in contrast to the roles of other cofactors or enzyme components that may be tightly bound or serve different functions. Therefore, the dynamic nature of coenzymes and their transient role in assisting enzymes is what makes their primary function vital in metabolic reactions.