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1. In some cases, the cofactor completes the active site of the enzyme or modifies it in such a manner that substrate binding can ensue. 2. The cofactor acts as a donor of electrons or atoms to the substrate and following the reaction is returned to its former state.
This is shown in this diagram of a molecule of the enzyme trypsin, with a short length of protein being digested in its active site. The amino acids around the active site attach to the substrate molecule and hold it in position while the reaction takes place. This makes the enzyme specific for one reaction only, as other molecules won't fit into the active site â their shape is wrong. Many enzymes need cofactors (or coenzymes) to work properly.