Vitamins and Enzymes Overview

A group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another.

The specific site on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

A molecule that binds to the enzyme's active site and is acted upon by the enzyme.

Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, but they do not affect the equilibrium constants or the overall free energy change.

The inactive form of an enzyme that requires a cofactor to become active.

A non-protein molecule that assists an enzyme in its catalytic activity.

The complete and active form of an enzyme, consisting of an apoenzyme and a cofactor.

Metal ions that are essential for the activity of many enzymes.

Enzymes containing a tightly bound metal ion within their active site. These ions often play a crucial role in catalysis, influencing the enzyme's activity.

A key component involved in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. They are not permanently bound to the enzyme.

A type of coenzyme permanently bound to an enzyme's active site, indispensable for its function.

A nutritional deficiency disease arising from the lack of a specific vitamin in an organism's diet.

The recommended daily intake of a vitamin crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing deficiency.

A precursor form of a vitamin found in food that is often converted into its active form within the body.

The ability of certain organisms to synthesize vitamins internally, like Vitamin D from the sun and K from gut bacteria.

The essential micronutrients required by animals, including humans, that they cannot synthesize themselves and must obtain from external sources.

A common metal ion found in metalloenzymes, crucial for diverse biological functions.

A common metal ion found in metalloenzymes, playing a vital role in various enzymatic reactions.

NAD+ and NADP+ are coenzymes that act as electron carriers in many metabolic reactions. They accept two electrons and a proton, becoming reduced to NADH and NADPH, respectively. Their oxidation-reduction reactions are essential for energy production and biosynthesis.

NADH is primarily used in catabolic reactions, where it carries electrons from the breakdown of fuels (like glucose) to the electron transport chain, generating ATP. This process contributes to energy production in our cells.

NADPH is mainly used in anabolic reactions, where it provides reducing power for biosynthesis pathways. It's essential for building up molecules like fatty acids, cholesterol, and nucleotides.

FAD and FMN are coenzymes derived from riboflavin (vitamin B2). They act as electron carriers in redox reactions, accepting two electrons and two protons, becoming reduced to FADH2 and FMNH2, respectively.

CoA is a coenzyme involved in acyl-group transfer reactions. It plays a crucial role in metabolism, particularly in the oxidation of fuel molecules and the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids.

TPP is a coenzyme derived from thiamine (vitamin B1). It is essential for many decarboxylase enzymes, which catalyze the removal of carbon dioxide from molecules. It is also involved in the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids.

PLP is a coenzyme derived from pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6). It is a prosthetic group for many enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, including transaminases, which catalyze the transfer of amino groups.

A deficiency of Thiamine (B1) can lead to the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by neurological problems like mental confusion, ataxia (loss of coordination), and memory impairment.

Thiamine (B1) plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and nerve function. It's essential for converting glucose into energy.

Riboflavin (B2) is converted into FMN and FAD, important coenzymes involved in various metabolic reactions and energy production.

Riboflavin (B2) deficiency can cause glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) and stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), indicating potential issues with the digestive tract and overall health.

Niacin (B3) is converted into NAD and NADP, important coenzymes crucial for redox reactions (electron transfer) essential for energy production.

A deficiency of Niacin (B3) can cause Pellagra, a condition characterized by the ‘three Ds’: diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia.

Pantothenic acid (B5) is converted into Coenzyme A, which plays a vital role in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Pyridoxine (B6) is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for communication between nerve cells.

Biotin (B7) is a coenzyme of carboxylase enzymes, involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the synthesis of fatty acids.

Biotin (B7) deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms in adults, including depression, highlighting the importance of B7 in mental health.

A coenzyme required for a variety of metabolic reactions including DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and red blood cell formation.

A deficiency in folate can lead to neural tube defects, a serious birth defect that can happen in the developing embryo.

This form of vitamin B12 is required for the synthesis of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers.

It is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach and binds to vitamin B12 in the ileum.

This type of anemia is characterized by the production of large, immature red blood cells.

Vitamin C acts as a reducing agent during the hydroxylation of collagen, a key protein for connective tissues.

This deficiency disease causes various health problems including fatigue, poor wound healing, and bleeding gums.

Dietary sources of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens.

They have a hydrophobic structure consisting of rings and long aliphatic side chains.

After digestion, they are packaged as micelles with bile salts and transported to the intestinal cells.