Enzymes & Coenzymes

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  • Enzymes & Coenzymes Defined: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, boosting metabolism. Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes.

  • Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone): A lipid-soluble antioxidant vital for mitochondrial function and cellular energy. Exists in forms CoQ1 to CoQ10.

  • CoQ9 Importance: Found in cereals (rice, wheat), bamboo, and some flowering plants.

  • CoQ10 Importance: Crucial for the mitochondrial electron transport chain. High concentrations found in organs with high energy demands (e.g., heart). Supplementation may help with neurological problems.

  • Genetic Engineering for CoQ10 Production: Rice plants can be genetically engineered to produce CoQ10. CRISPR-Cas9 allows editing of precise sites in the genome.

  • Biofortified Rice (Recent Breakthrough): Chinese Academy of Sciences

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researchers used CRISPR to create rice varieties with up to 75% CoQ10.

  • Significance of Biofortified Rice: Allows engineering of edible crops (“farm”) to produce antioxidant supplements (“factory”).