Which ion activates creatine kinase as an enzyme cofactor?

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Multiple Choice

Which ion activates creatine kinase as an enzyme cofactor?

Explanation:
Magnesium acts as the essential metal cofactor for creatine kinase. It binds to ATP to form Mg-ATP, which properly fits into the enzyme’s active site and orients the phosphate groups for transfer from phosphocreatine to ADP. This Mg2+ complex also stabilizes negative charges during the reaction and lowers the energy barrier of the transition state, enabling efficient phosphate transfer. While calcium, potassium, and sodium have important cellular roles, they do not serve as the required cofactor for this enzyme’s catalytic action.

Magnesium acts as the essential metal cofactor for creatine kinase. It binds to ATP to form Mg-ATP, which properly fits into the enzyme’s active site and orients the phosphate groups for transfer from phosphocreatine to ADP. This Mg2+ complex also stabilizes negative charges during the reaction and lowers the energy barrier of the transition state, enabling efficient phosphate transfer. While calcium, potassium, and sodium have important cellular roles, they do not serve as the required cofactor for this enzyme’s catalytic action.

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