Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of metalloproteins?

The statement that metalloproteins do not require coenzymes is accurate in identifying what is not a characteristic of metalloproteins. Metalloproteins are a diverse group of proteins that incorporate metal ions as integral components. These metal ions often play crucial roles in the protein's structure and function, particularly in enzymatic activity and catalysis.

While many metalloproteins are indeed involved in catalytic processes, facilitating redox reactions, or serving as electron carriers, not all of them act as enzymes that require coenzymes in the traditional sense. Some metalloproteins can function independently of coenzymes, relying solely on their metal ion components for activity.

In addition to their role in catalysis, metalloproteins can also serve as structural elements within a protein complex. The presence of metal ions can influence the folding and stability of proteins, thereby affecting their overall architecture and integrity.

Understanding these characteristics helps clarify the broad functional roles of metalloproteins in biological systems, distinguishing them from proteins that rely heavily on coenzymes for their function.