L7 Vitamins in One Carbon Metabolism
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following one-carbon units can FH4 carry?

  • Methyl (CH3) (correct)
  • Acetyl (C2H3)
  • Hydroxymethyl (CH2OH)
  • Formyl (CHO) (correct)

What is the consequence of folate deficiency in rapidly dividing cells?

  • Enhanced DNA synthesis
  • Decreased red blood cell size
  • Development of macrocytic, normochromic red blood cells (correct)
  • Increase in cell division rate

Which reaction involves thymidylate synthase?

  • Conversion of dTMP to dUMP
  • Transfer of one-carbon groups from serine
  • Conversion of dUMP to dTMP (correct)
  • Synthesis of purine rings

Which one-carbon donor is involved in the synthesis of purine rings?

<p>Formyl-FH4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a direct effect of folate deficiency?

<p>Impaired cell division (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Tetrahydrofolate (FH4) play in DNA synthesis?

<p>It accepts one-carbon groups during thymine synthesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the function of Vitamin B12 in one-carbon metabolism?

<p>It acts as a coenzyme transferring a methyl group to homocysteine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of formyl-FH4 in human metabolism?

<p>It is required for the synthesis of purines. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does methotrexate influence one-carbon metabolism?

<p>It inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in metabolism?

<p>To donate methyl groups for various biochemical reactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enzyme converts folate to its active form Tetrahydrofolate (FH4)?

<p>Dihydrofolate reductase. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of folate metabolism is crucial for preventing neural tube defects?

<p>Importance of formyl-FH4 in DNA synthesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vitamin B12 in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine?

<p>It donates a methyl group. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to folate if CH3 cannot be removed from FH4-CH3?

<p>It accumulates and leads to a functional folate deficiency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is directly associated with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)?

<p>Methyl donation for various biochemical reactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of B12 deficiency on folate metabolism?

<p>Results in a folate-trap phenomenon. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the health effects associated with functional folate deficiency due to B12 deficiency?

<p>Hyperhomocysteinemia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The methyl-trap hypothesis indicates that what occurs in the absence of adequate B12?

<p>Functional folate is depleted and trapped. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule donates methyl groups in most reactions requiring one-carbon units?

<p>SAM. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could contribute to hyperhomocysteinemia?

<p>Nutritional deficiencies and genetic factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary target of the folate analog methotrexate?

<p>Inhibits human dihydrofolate reductase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug inhibits bacterial growth by affecting folate metabolism?

<p>Sulfonamides (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil lead to which type of cellular death?

<p>Thymineless death (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific reaction in metabolism requires Vitamin B12?

<p>Rearrangement of L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is used by 5-fluorouracil to hinder cellular processes?

<p>Inhibition of thymidylate synthase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does trimethoprim selectively inhibit bacteria?

<p>It inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NADPH in the folate metabolism process?

<p>It serves as an electron carrier (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of reducing FH4 availability in chemotherapy?

<p>It limits the pool of active folate needed for DNA and RNA synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin deficiency can lead to hyperhomocysteinemia?

<p>Vitamin B12 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of hyperhomocysteinemia on cardiovascular health?

<p>Increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme deficiency is NOT associated with hyperhomocysteinemia?

<p>Amino acid decarboxylase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major dietary source of Vitamin B12?

<p>Dairy products (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT directly associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency?

<p>Severe muscle weakness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does intrinsic factor play in Vitamin B12 absorption?

<p>It is essential for B12 binding in the intestine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average daily intake of Vitamin B12 in micrograms?

<p>5-30 μg (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a symptom of pernicious anemia due to B12 deficiency?

<p>Increased appetite (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is most directly caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the intrinsic factor play in the absorption of Vitamin B12?

<p>It binds to B12 and facilitates its internalization in the ileum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the major implication of mild hyperhomocysteinemia?

<p>It confers an increased risk of cardiovascular events (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is a common neurological dysfunction associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency?

<p>Spastic gait disturbance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated average daily intake of Vitamin B12 required for adults?

<p>5-30 μg (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in human metabolism?

<p>Methylation of various biomolecules (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of tetrahydrofolate (FH4) is specifically required for both purine synthesis and DNA synthesis?

<p>Formyl-FH4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does vitamin B12 play in the metabolism of homocysteine?

<p>Transfers a methyl group to homocysteine to form methionine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which coenzyme is primarily involved in the transfer of carbon dioxide (CO2) in metabolic reactions?

<p>Biotin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the biochemical basis for using methotrexate in cancer treatment?

<p>Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, thus decreasing FH4 availability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of tetrahydrofolate (FH4)?

<p>Regeneration of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What important dietary source is often required for adequate vitamin B12 absorption?

<p>Animal-based foods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is primarily associated with deficiencies in both vitamin B12 and folate?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which one-carbon unit is specifically utilized in the conversion of dUMP to dTMP?

<p>Methylene (CH2) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia?

<p>Reduced synthesis of red blood cells from stem cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of one-carbon groups transferred to FH4?

<p>Acetyl-CoA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of anemia is associated with impaired cell division due to folate deficiency?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which biosynthetic function is HB4 particularly important for?

<p>Synthesis of purine rings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cell types are particularly affected by one-carbon metabolism disruptions due to folate deficiency?

<p>Stem cells and immune system cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From which group does Vitamin B12 obtain a methyl group in one-carbon metabolism?

<p>5-methyl-FH4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to red blood cells as a result of folate deficiency?

<p>They decrease in number leading to anemia. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is directly involved in the synthesis of thymidine from dUMP using FH4?

<p>Thymidylate synthase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clinical condition results from the release of large reticulocytes into circulation due to folate deficiency?

<p>Megaloblastic anemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin is essential for the transfer of a methyl group from FH4-CH3 to homocysteine?

<p>Vitamin B12 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition might result from a deficiency in Vitamin B12 or methionine synthase?

<p>Accumulation of FH4-CH3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of methotrexate in relation to folate metabolism?

<p>Reduces the availability of active folate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is true?

<p>SAM is involved in activating and inactivating various compounds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs specifically inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase?

<p>Trimethoprim (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the situation where functional folate is locked in the FH4-CH3 form due to B12 deficiency?

<p>Methyl-trap hypothesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which 5-Fluorouracil induces cell death?

<p>Inhibition of thymidylate synthase (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential health effects of functional folate deficiency due to Vitamin B12 deficiency?

<p>Fatigue and shortness of breath (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is directly formed from the rearrangement involving Vitamin B12?

<p>Succinyl CoA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reactions does NOT require methyl donations from SAM?

<p>Conversion of homocysteine to methionine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyperhomocysteinemia can arise from which of the following factors?

<p>Genetic predisposition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'thymineless death' specifically refers to a consequence of the inhibition of which enzyme?

<p>Thymidylate synthase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sulfonamides inhibit bacterial growth by targeting which specific metabolic step?

<p>Synthesis of pteroic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of DNA synthesis deficiency associated with functional folate deficiency?

<p>Improved wound healing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil are effective in cancer treatment because they reduce the availability of which compound?

<p>Folate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the trapping of folate as FH4-CH3?

<p>Functional folate deficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reaction is most directly impacted by a deficiency in methionine synthase?

<p>Transfer of a methyl group to homocysteine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of their action mechanism, how do methotrexate and trimethoprim differ?

<p>Methotrexate inhibits human DHFR, while trimethoprim does not (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does NADPH play in folate metabolism?

<p>It serves as a reducing agent in FH4 production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil are both used in chemotherapy primarily due to their effects on which biological process?

<p>Nucleic acid synthesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tetrahydrofolate (FH4)

A key coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism involved in transferring activated one-carbon groups.

Tetrahydrofolate (FH4)

The active form of folate, essential for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and red blood cell production.

Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR)

An enzyme that converts dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4), the active form of folate, using NADPH as a reducing agent.

One-Carbon Metabolism

A process where activated one-carbon units are transferred from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule, crucial for many metabolic reactions.

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Thymine Synthesis

The process by which dUMP is converted into dTMP using a one-carbon group from methylene-FH4.

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Purine Synthesis

The process of making purines, which are essential nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA, requiring formyl-FH4 as a one-carbon donor.

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Vitamin B12

A coenzyme that assists in transferring a methyl group from methyl-FH4 to homocysteine, producing methionine.

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S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)

A molecule that acts as the primary methyl donor in the body, essential for numerous metabolic reactions.

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What is tetrahydrofolic acid (FH4)?

Tetrahydrofolic acid (FH4) is a coenzyme involved in one-carbon metabolism. It carries one-carbon units in various forms, including methyl (CH3), methylene (CH2), and formyl (CHO). These one-carbon units are crucial for essential biochemical reactions.

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What is the role of FH4 in purine synthesis?

FH4 plays a vital role in the synthesis of purines, which are essential building blocks for DNA and RNA. FH4 provides the necessary one-carbon units for purine ring formation.

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How does FH4 contribute to DNA synthesis?

FH4 is also involved in the conversion of dUMP to dTMP, a crucial step in DNA synthesis. FH4 provides the methyl group required for this conversion.

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What happens when there is a deficiency of FH4?

FH4 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells. This occurs because lack of FH4 impairs DNA synthesis, slowing down cell division, especially in red blood cell precursors.

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Why is folate important for health?

Folates are essential for maintaining healthy cell division and growth, particularly in rapidly dividing cells like red blood cell precursors. This makes folate intake critical during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth.

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Methotrexate

A folate analog that competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), depleting the pool of active folate (FH4) and interfering with DNA synthesis.

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Trimethoprim

An inhibitor of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), preventing the conversion of dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4), crucial for bacterial growth.

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Sulfonamides

A drug that inhibits the synthesis of pteroic acid in bacteria, a crucial component of folate.

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5-Fluorouracil

A pyrimidine analog that competitively inhibits thymidylate synthase, blocking the conversion of dUMP to dTMP, essential for DNA synthesis.

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Thymineless Death

A process where key metabolic reactions are disrupted, leading to the death of rapidly dividing cells.

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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

A coenzyme essential for two vital metabolic reactions: the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA and the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine.

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Methylmalonyl-CoA Mutase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-Methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA, requiring vitamin B12 as a coenzyme.

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Homocysteine Remethylation

A metabolic process involving the transfer of a methyl group from methyl-FH4 to homocysteine, forming methionine. This reaction requires Vitamin B12 as a coenzyme.

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Hyperhomocysteinemia

High levels of homocysteine in the blood.

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Methionine Synthase

An enzyme that converts homocysteine to methionine using a methyl group from N5-methyltetrahydrofolate.

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Methylene FH4 reductase (MTHFR)

An enzyme that converts methylenetetrahydrofolate to dihydrofolate.

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Cystathionine synthase

An enzyme involved in the conversion of homocysteine to cystathionine.

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Pernicious Anemia

A debilitating type of anemia due to lack of vitamin B12 and characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells.

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Vitamin B12 deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin B12 which can lead to neurologic problems.

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Intrinsic factor

A protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

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Transcobalamin II

A protein that binds to vitamin B12 in the small intestine and transports it to tissues.

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Folate-trap hypothesis

The accumulation of FH4-CH3 when the methyl group can't be removed. This can occur due to deficiencies in B12 or methionine synthase, trapping folate in a non-functional form.

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Functional folate deficiency

A consequence of B12 deficiency, leading to a lack of functional folate. This disrupts DNA synthesis, causing megaloblastic anemia and potentially neural tube defects.

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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)

The conversion of methylene-FH4 to dihydrofolate (FH2) by the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This step is crucial for folate metabolism.

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Folate Trap

The accumulation of FH4-CH3 when the methyl group cannot be removed. This can occur in B12 deficiency or methionine synthase deficiency, trapping folate in a non-functional form.

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What is FH4's role in purine synthesis?

FH4 is essential for the synthesis of purines, which are building blocks for DNA and RNA. It provides the one-carbon units required for purine ring formation.

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What happens with FH4 deficiency?

FH4 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by abnormally large red blood cells. This occurs because lack of FH4 impairs DNA synthesis, slowing down cell division, especially in red blood cell precursors.

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How is dTMP synthesized?

Thymidylate synthase converts dUMP to dTMP by receiving a methyl group from methylene-FH4.

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What is the function of formyl-FH4?

Formyl-FH4 is used in the synthesis of the purine ring.

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What is the role of THF in purine and thymidine synthesis?

The synthesis of all purines and thymidine require THF as a one-carbon donor.

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What is the one-carbon pool?

One-carbon groups can be transferred to FH4 from serine, glycine, histidine, formaldehyde, formate. These one-carbon groups attached to FH4 are known as the one-carbon pool.

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How does vitamin B12 use FH4?

Vitamin B12 obtains a methyl group from 5-methyl-FH4.

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What are the consequences of folate deficiency?

Deficiency of folate can cause megaloblastic anemia. One-carbon metabolism preferentially impacts rapidly dividing cells, including stem cells, reticulocytes, enterocytes, and immune system cells.

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What is methotrexate and what does it do?

A folate analog that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is responsible for converting dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4), the active form of folate. By inhibiting DHFR, methotrexate depletes the pool of active folate, interfering with DNA synthesis and cell division.

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How do trimethoprim and sulfonamides target bacterial growth?

Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), preventing the conversion of dihydrofolate (FH2) to tetrahydrofolate (FH4), which is essential for bacterial growth. Sulfonamides inhibit the synthesis of pteroic acid in bacteria, which is a crucial component of folate.

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Why are drugs that target folate metabolism effective in cancer treatment?

Rapidly dividing cells require high levels of DNA and RNA synthesis, which rely on folate. Drugs that reduce the availability of tetrahydrofolate (FH4) for one-carbon metabolism are effective chemotherapeutic agents for treating cancer because they disrupt DNA synthesis in rapidly growing cancer cells.

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How does 5-Fluorouracil inhibit DNA synthesis?

5-Fluorouracil is a pyrimidine analog that competitively inhibits thymidylate synthase, the enzyme responsible for converting deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP), a crucial step in DNA synthesis. This inhibition blocks the production of thymine, leading to 'thymineless death'.

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What are the two key metabolic reactions that vitamin B12 is involved in?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a coenzyme involved in two key metabolic reactions: 1. Rearrangement of L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA by the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzyme. 2. Transfer of a methyl group from methyl-FH4 to homocysteine, forming methionine.

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How is vitamin B12 involved in the conversion of L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA?

The rearrangement of L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA by the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzyme requires vitamin B12 as a coenzyme. This reaction is crucial for the breakdown of fatty acids and certain amino acids.

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How is vitamin B12 involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine?

Vitamin B12 is essential for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a key step in the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the primary methyl donor in the body. SAM is crucial for numerous metabolic reactions, including DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis.

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What are the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency?

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by large, immature red blood cells due to disrupted DNA synthesis in red blood cell precursors. Vitamin B12 deficiency also plays a role in neurological dysfunction.

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What is the folate-trap hypothesis?

The folate-trap hypothesis suggests that when vitamin B12 or methionine synthase is deficient, the methyl group from methyl-FH4 cannot be removed, leading to the accumulation of FH4-CH3. This traps folate in a non-functional form, effectively causing a functional folate deficiency.

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What is a functional folate deficiency?

Functional folate deficiency occurs when folate is trapped in an inactive form as FH4-CH3 due to B12 deficiency or methionine synthase deficiency. This disrupts DNA synthesis, leading to megaloblastic anemia and potentially neural tube defects.

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What is the role of vitamin B12 in methionine synthesis?

The process of transferring a methyl group from FH4-CH3 to homocysteine, forming methionine, requires vitamin B12 as a coenzyme. This reaction is catalyzed by methionine synthase.

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What is S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and its role?

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a molecule that acts as the primary methyl donor in the body. It's vital for numerous metabolic reactions, including methylation of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

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What is the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that converts methylene-FH4 to dihydrofolate (FH2). This step is crucial for folate metabolism, as it enables the recycling of FH4 for further one-carbon unit transfer.

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What is hyperhomocysteinemia?

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a condition with high levels of homocysteine in the blood, often linked to nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, or certain medications.

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What happens in methionine synthase deficiency?

Methionine synthase deficiency leads to a similar problem as B12 deficiency: the folate-trap. Folate gets trapped in the FH4-CH3 form, causing a deficiency of functional folate.

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What are the neurological consequences of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurologic problems like peripheral neuropathy, dementia, and even psychosis, due to impaired myelin synthesis in the nervous system.

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How does vitamin B12 contribute to the folate cycle?

B12 obtains a methyl group from FH4·CH3, transferring it to homocysteine to form methionine by methionine synthase. This process regenerates FH4, which can be used in other one-carbon metabolism reactions.

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What are the multiple roles of SAM in metabolism?

SAM is involved in the biosynthesis or inactivation of various compounds, including catecholamines (like dopamine and adrenaline) and serotonin. This broad range of actions highlights the importance of SAM in numerous metabolic processes.

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Study Notes

Vitamins in One Carbon Metabolism

  • Vitamins involved in one-carbon metabolism include tetrahydrofolate (FH4), vitamin B12, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).
  • These vitamins play critical roles in various reactions, including DNA synthesis, one-carbon transfer reactions, and the synthesis of other molecules/hormones.
  • Methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil are used in chemotherapy to disrupt the folate cycle.
  • Vitamin B12 is involved in two enzymatic reactions: methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the functions of one-carbon metabolism (FH4, B12, and SAM).
  • Evaluate the biochemical basis of using methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil in chemotherapy.
  • Explain the role of formyl-FH4 and methylene-FH4 in DNA synthesis, megaloblastic anemia, and neural tube defects.
  • Describe the process of vitamin B12 absorption, including the role of intrinsic factor and R-binders.
  • Detail the function of B12 in SAM synthesis and folate regeneration, including the transfer of methyl groups from FH4 to homocysteine to form methionine.
  • Explain the pathophysiology of B12 and folate deficiencies.
  • Detail the functions of the one-carbon components carried by FH4 for various metabolic processes.

Functions of One-Carbon Metabolism

  • One-carbon metabolism involves the transfer of activated one-carbon units from a donor to an acceptor molecule.
  • Tetrahydrofolate (FH4) is a crucial carrier for one-carbon units (methyl, methylene, formyl).
  • Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme for converting methyl-FH4 to methionine, which is essential for SAM synthesis.
  • SAM is the main donor of methyl groups in many metabolic processes.
  • The process allows for transfer of carbon groups for different types of biological molecules.

Folate

  • Folate consists of three components: pteridine ring, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and glutamate.
  • The active form of folate is tetrahydrofolate (FH4).
  • FH4 carries one-carbon units (methyl, methylene, formyl) required for various biosynthetic reactions.
  • Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) converts folate to FH2 and then FH4, requiring NADPH.

Importance of FH4 in Biosynthetic Reactions

  • FH4-related one-carbon units participate in DNA synthesis, purine synthesis, and thymidine synthesis.
  • Vitamin B12 obtains a methyl group from 5-methyl-FH4.

Synthesis of Purines and Thymidine

  • The synthesis of all purines and thymidine requires THF as a one-carbon donor.

Deficiency of Folate

  • Folate deficiency leads to megaloblastic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis.
  • Symptoms include decreased red blood cell number, macrocytic, normochromic red blood cells (megaloblasts), and impaired cell division.
  • Inadequate folate during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects (like spina bifida).

Folate Metabolism and Chemotherapy

  • Folate analogs (like methotrexate) inhibit DHFR, disrupting the folate cycle.
  • 5-fluorouracil is an analog; it competitively inhibits thymidylate synthase.
  • Both drugs cause "thymineless death."

Vitamin B12

  • B12 (cobalamin) acts as a coenzyme for two reactions:
    • methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (methylmalonyl-CoA → succinyl CoA).
  • homocysteine methyltransferase (homocysteine → methionine).

Functions of Vitamin B12

  • Rearrangement of L-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl CoA
  • Transfer of methyl groups from FH4-CH3 to homocysteine to form methionine
  • B12 is needed for SAM synthesis and FH4 regeneration, involving specific enzymes.

Deficiency of B12

  • Dietary deficiency or lack of intrinsic factor can lead to pernicious anemia, neurological issues (like demyelination), and hyperhomocysteinemia.
  • Deficiency of B12 interferes with folate function, causing a "folate-trap" by preventing the regeneration of one-carbon groups carried by FH4.

Sources of Vitamin B12

  • Meat, fish, eggs, and milk are major dietary sources.
  • Average daily intake is 5-30 µg, with 1-5 µg absorbed.
  • RDA is 2.4 µg/day.
  • Deficiency usually takes years to develop on a diet lacking this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 Absorption

  • B12 binds R-binders (secreted by salivary glands and stomach).
  • In the small intestine, R-binders are digested.
  • B12 binds to intrinsic factor (secreted by gastric mucosa).
  • The intrinsic factor-B12 complex binds to receptors in the ileum and is internalized.
  • Transcobalamin II delivers B12 to tissues.

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Test your knowledge on folate metabolism, its one-carbon units, and the implications of deficiency in rapidly dividing cells. This quiz explores key reactions and consequences associated with folate. Assess your understanding of how folate interacts with cellular processes and its role in purine and thymidine synthesis.

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