What is the role of coenzymes in the body?

Coenzymes play a critical role in the body primarily by acting as necessary partners for enzymes, effectively helping to activate them and enable biochemical reactions. Many enzymes require coenzymes to be effective; these coenzymes often work by binding to the enzyme and changing its conformation, making it catalytically active. This relationship is essential for various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of food for energy and the synthesis of molecules necessary for cell function.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned—storing energy, transporting nutrients, and producing hormones—are typically fulfilled by other biomolecules or compounds in the body. While energy storage is generally the function of macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats, nutrient transport is managed by proteins and lipoproteins in the bloodstream. Hormones, on the other hand, are primarily synthesized from proteins, steroids, or amines and do not typically involve coenzymes in their production. Thus, the role of coenzymes is crucial yet specific to their function in activating enzymes involved in metabolic processes.