Vitamin B 12 Structure
Vitamin b 12 occurs in several forms called cobalamins.
Vitamin b 12 structure. There are at least three active forms. Methionine is required for the formation of s adenosylmethionine a. Vitamin b 12 is derived from a tetrapyrrolic structural framework created by the enzymes deaminase and cosynthetase which transform aminolevulinic acid via porphobilinogen and hydroxymethylbilane to uroporphyrinogen iii. It is essential in the production of blood cells in bone marrow and for nerve sheaths and proteins.
The latter is the first macrocyclic intermediate common to heme chlorophyll siroheme and b 12 itself. Vitamin b12 is required for proper red blood cell formation neurological function and dna synthesis. 24 vitamin b 12 functions as a co enzyme in intermediary metabolism for the methionine synthase reaction with methylcobalamin and the methylmalonyl. Vitamin b 12 is an essential vitamin necessary for healthy nerve tissue brain function and red blood cell production.
All vitamin b12 compounds contain the cobalt atom in its trivalent state. Cyanocobalamin is the principal one used in vitamin supplements and pharmaceuticals. Vitamin b 12 is a large molecule that contains an atom of cobalt. The vitamin which is unique in that it contains a metallic ion cobalt has a complex chemical structure as shown.
Vitamin b12 functions as a cofactor for methionine synthase and l methylmalonyl coa mutase. Vitamin b 12 is not found in plants but ruminal and intestinal bacteria can synthesize adequate amounts if the diet contains sufficient cobalt approximately 0 1 0 2 mg cobalt per kg diet dry matter. Vitamin b 12 aids in the development of red blood cells in higher animals. The vitamin is found in many animal products such as poultry beef eggs.
Dangerous properties of industrial materials. Vitamin b 12 is involved in the cellular metabolism of carbohydrates proteins and lipids. Vol 1 3 7th ed. Vitamin b refers to several water soluble vitamins often found together in foods all of which are necessary for normal growth and metabolism but none of which are synthesized in adequate amounts by humans.